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10 Best Soy Protein Powders – Reviewed & Ranked for 2017

Last Updated: Tuesday, May 16, 2017

If you’re looking for the best soy protein powders to buy this year, then you’ve come to the right place. 

You can also get more info by jumping to our Soy Protein Powders Guide.

Top 10 Soy Protein Powders

#1 Universal Nutrition Advanced Soy Protein Lowest Price #2 Bulksupplements Pure Soy Protein Isolate Powder Lowest Price #3 NOW Foods Soy Protein Lowest Price #4 Naturade 100% Soy Protein Booster Lowest Price #5 Nature’s Plus Spiru-Tein Lowest Price #6 Jarrow Formulas Iso-Rich Soy Lowest Price #7 Six Star Pro Nutrition Elite Series Soy Protein Powder Lowest Price #8 EAS Soy Protein Powder Lowest Price #9 Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free Soy Protein Powder Lowest Price #10 MHP Probolic-SR Lowest Price

Soy Protein Supplements Guide

Soy protein powders are a common way for athletes, bodybuilders and other people to incorporate a higher amount of vegetable-based protein in their diets. Powders are commonly mixed with drinks to provide a quick and easy protein boost. While they should not be the sole or even the primary source of protein, they allow for more protein to be consumed than can easily be gained from food.

What is Soy Protein Powder?

Soy protein powder is obtained by processing soy beans and concentrating their protein content to various degrees. The soy protein may then be mixed with other ingredients to improve its consistency, taste and nutritional content. The resulting powder is usually white and of a very fine consistency much like sifted flour.

Processing the soybeans requires several steps. The soybeans are first cleaned and their hulls or outer casings are removed. They are then rolled into flakes. Soybean oil is then removed from the flakes and may be reserved as a separate product. The flakes are then dried. This is commonly referred to as the de-fatting process. The soybeans are now almost entirely composed of carbohydrates and protein. The de-fatted flakes are the basis of all soy protein products.

The protein from soy is may be isolated to varying degrees to make various products. Of the three possible types of soy protein products, only one of them is usually used to make protein powder: soy protein isolate. This is the purest form of soy protein, which has had basically all the carbohydrates, fats and water removed. Since the soybean flavor originates primarily from the carbohydrates in soybeans, the protein isolate has very little distinguishable flavor.

Benefits of Soy Protein Powder

Soy protein is classically in competition with other popular protein powders, especially whey, casein and brown rice. While soy protein has a checkered history, it has several important benefits that distinguish it from the other popular protein sources.

The most obvious benefit is that soy protein is plant-based. This means it will fit with the dietary requirements of vegans and may also be preferred by vegetarians over its milk-based whey counterpart. The only other common protein powder to meet this requirement is rice protein, but soy beats rice protein as well. Rice protein, like many vegetable-based proteins, is incomplete.

It does not have all the essential amino acids humans needs to consume from food. An incomplete protein source must be mixed with either a complete protein source or a complimentary incomplete protein in order to provide full nutritional benefits. Soy does not have this problem because it is already a complete protein source.

Protein supplementation from any source, including soy has a variety of proven health benefits. A high protein diet that is also low in carbs and unhealthy fats has been shown to contribute to weightloss. Protein is an extremely important aspect of nutrition.

The amino acids gained from a protein are the body’s building blocks. They are responsible for creating and maintaining all the body’s cells and tissues. A protein deficiency, including a deficiency in any of the essential amino acids, can have varying health consequences including chronic fatigue, muscle degeneration, hair loss and many other conditions, which can be serious.

Diet vs Supplementation

The majority of people will get all of the protein they need for health from regular food sources, and it is important to get the majority of daily protein intake from normal food. However, certain people can benefit from supplementing with soy protein powder. Those who need higher than average amounts of protein should supplement. This includes athletes and bodybuilders or anyone who works out frequently or is trying to gain muscle mass.

No matter how active a person is or how much they work out, they will not increase muscle mass without an appropriately high intake of protein. The inverse may actually be true. A person who works our vigorously but neglects nutrition may force the body to metabolize muscle for energy.

Some studies have shown that soy protein specifically may help lower bad or LDL cholesterol levels to a mild extent. The study was conducted in 2011. The change was only by 3 percent, so soy probably isn’t the best way to combat high cholesterol, but it doesn’t hurt to add it in addition to other dietary changes.

In women, soy protein may help with symptoms associated with menopause. This is due primarily to soy’s phytoestrogens, or the plant-based version of the human estrogen hormone. Phytoestrogens mimic human estrogen when consumed. While this has also been considered soy’s biggest drawback, it may have some benefit to menopausal women.

Are There Any Side Effects?

Soy protein has a history of being related to several negative health impacts. Almost all of these impacts are due to the presence of phytoestrogens in soy. It was thought that these chemicals may cause hormone imbalances in both men and women, leading to certain negative health outcomes for both genders. There was also the prevailing idea that consuming estrogen may have a feminizing effect on the male body, making it harder to produce testosterone and resulting in various negative side effects like abnormal growth of the breasts. Even certain cancers were attributed to soy’s phytoestrogens.

Many of the problems and concerns related to soy protein are either overstated or complete myths. Recent studies have debunked most of the health concerns related to soy, including that it causes breast or prostate cancer or decreases testosterone. It is important to note, however, that strong proponents of soy protein suggest consuming unprocessed “whole” soy or minimally processed soy products like tofu or miso. Consumers must understand that soy protein powders are usually the most heavily processed soy products because soy protein isolate is the most heavily refined of all soy-based foods. While the phytoestrogen negative side effects are likely to be minimal or non-existent regardless of the soy product, soy protein powder may be more prone to issues compared to less processed soy foods.

How to Take Soy Protein Powder

Soy protein powder is usually meant to be consumed in liquid form after being mixed with a drink. It may be mixed with water, any type of milk, or juice. In general, soy protein isolate is very fine and will dissolve well even in cold liquids. Soy protein powder is less commonly mixed with other foods, but it may be incorporated into baked goods, non-bake cookies or homemade protein bars.

How a person chooses to consume the powder may depend on their taste or preference as well as the mix involved. If the powder is pure soy protein isolate, then it will have very little flavor and may be added to just about anything without noticing a strong degree of flavor change. Powders meant to be used as drink mixes may have sugars and flavorings added to them to improve taste. In this case, the powder may be best used to make a smoothie or milkshake. The protein benefits can be enhanced by adding fruit or vegetables to the smoothie for a nutrient dense health shake.

What to Look for in a Good Soy Protein Powder

A good soy protein powder depends on how the consumer plans to use the powder. If the powder is going to be combined in a smoothie with other ingredients, in a food item or with a strong-flavored juice, then a pure powder is best. If the consumer is looking to make a quick post-workout shake, then a powder with added flavorings will probably be much more palatable.

Regardless of the intended use, there are a few guidelines to apply when buying any soy protein powder. First, the powder should have a very simple ingredient list and be free of most additives. Soy does not generally need any additives like xanthan gum or maltodextrin to make a good drink mix. At most, the powder may have some sugar or sweetener and flavoring added.

The powder should also be a non-GMO source. It does not have to be organic, although all organic products by definition will be non-GMO. Many soy products are GMO. Although GMO soy is generally fed to animals, it is worth an extra check to be sure.

Soy protein powder can be an excellent addition to anyone’s health supplement regimen. It is easy to take and is a great way to provide a clean, vegan complete protein boost to supplement a person’s already healthy diet. Although the arguments between various protein products are hardly settled, soy has reserved its place as a quality protein supplement source widely available, affordable and beneficial.

The post 10 Best Soy Protein Powders – Reviewed & Ranked for 2017 appeared first on Supplement Hound - Supplement Reviews for 2017.

from Supplement Hound – Supplement Reviews for 2017 http://supplementhound.com/best-soy-protein-powders/

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10 Best Rice Protein Powders – Reviewed & Ranked for 2017

Last Updated: Tuesday, May 16, 2017

If you’re looking for the best rice protein powders to buy this year, then you’ve come to the right place. 

You can also get more info by jumping to our Rice Protein Powders Guide.

Top 10 Rice Protein Powders

#1 Naked Nutrition Naked Rice More Info #2 Jarrow Formulas Brown Rice Protein Concentrate More Info #3 Nutribiotic Rice Protein More Info #4 Sunwarrior Classic Wholegrain Brown Rice Protein Powder More Info #5 Orgain Organic Protein Plant-Based Powder More Info #6 Growing Naturals Rice Protein Powder More Info #7 Garden of Life RAW Organic Protein More Info #8 Source Naturals Brown Rice Protein More Info #9 NOW Foods Sprouted Brown Rice Protein More Info #10 AI Sports Nutrition NO WHEY More Info

Rice Protein Supplements Guide

What is Rice Protein?

Rice protein powder is a protein powder variant created from the isolation of available proteins in a whole grain, white, or brown rice. Unlike the more common protein powders derived from whey or caseinates, rice protein powder does not contain any dairy in its composition. Just like the more common forms of protein powder, however, rice protein powder serves many people as as a convenient and highly portable protein-rich food source.

In the rice protein powder manufacturing process, rice grains have their carbohydrate profile separated from their proteins with the administration of special plant enzymes – this is an widely industrialized process of protein purification. The result of this precise enzyme administration is a dehydrated vegetarian protein isolate that can be reconstituted with water for ingestion.

On a molecular level, rice protein powder has sufficient amounts of all nine essential amino acids that the body requires for nourishment – this makes rice protein a complete protein on its own. In addition to its complete collection amino acids, rice protein also has a significant amount of methionine and cysteine as well.

Benefits of Rice Protein Powder

By nature, rice protein powder is hypoallergenic. While the milk-based content in the more common protein powder variations are capable of triggering severely damaging allergic attacks if ingested by people who can’t tolerate them, there are no such risks posed to anyone by rice protein powder consumption.

Thanks to its allergen-free composition, rice protein powder spares those with gastrointestinal complications the stomach irritation that they would experience from a conventional protein powder with rye and gluten. If you happen to be lactose intolerant or have digestive problems with eggs and meat, rice protein powder can serve you well as a very suitable alternative.

In addition to being completely free of any and all common allergens, rice protein powder is also free of the artificial additives that are typically added to common whey and casein-based powders. There are no artificial sweeteners, colors or fillers used in the rice protein powder manufacturing process that could unexpectedly cause an allergic attack for someone who did not anticipate them.

For many people, one of the most challenging steps in making positive dietary choices is to find protein-rich foods with a healthy nutrient profile. Among all the different choices in protein-rich foods that there are, rice protein happens to be one of the rare few that offers an nearly all-inclusive party of amino acids, carbohydrates, fiber, and vitamins in addition to its protein content.

Not only does rice protein powder have well-balanced nutrient profile, but it also happens to be free of the less-than-desirable components such as saturated fats and processed sugars.

Density

Much like soy protein powder, another dairy-free protein isolate, rice protein powder is generally less dense in its full protein count then conventional protein powders made out of milk and whey – at the same time, rice protein powder can be used as a sufficient protein-rich food source for those with a vegetarian or lactose-free diet.

While rice protein powder may not be the first protein-rich supplement of choice for those who are heavily invested in hypertrophic muscle mass through bodybuilding, its value to gym goers with certain allergies or dietary restrictions that prevent them from consuming more common protein powders to complement their training is significant. Rice protein powder is also more than sufficient enough to serve the body as a supportive protein source to repair the muscles after they’ve been broken down from intense training.

Slow Digestion

The proteins contained within rice are more slowly digested than the proteins sourced from other types of food, but this is not a downside when it comes to energy utilization over extended periods of time. In appropriate amounts, rice protein is equally sufficient to whey protein in terms of its value as an endurance development supplement to be used before and after significantly taxing training sessions.

The amino acid profile of isolated rice proteins lend themselves to muscular rebuilding processes very well. As muscular tissue breaks down over the course of an extreme training session, the quality of amino acid action is imperative for keeping the body capable of maintaining its performance quality without being at a severe risk of injury.

Rice protein, with its full deck of essential amino acids, can essentially operate as a form of insurance against the chance that your muscles may not have enough stamina to safely endure a prolonged training session before collapsing.

While the rice protein itself might not be as quickly digested as the proteins from milk, the specific amino acid that is credited with muscular tissue regeneration is in fact absorbed faster in rice protein than in whey protein.

Are There Any Side Effects?

In the absence of any allergies or dietary intolerance directly related to isolated rice proteins, there are no known side effects caused by rice protein powder.

How to Take Rice Protein Powder

Rice protein powder can be utilized in a diverse variety of ways with satisfying results. The most popular way to take rice protein powder is to simply reconstitute it with water to make it potable. With just a couple of ice cubes and fruit slices in the blender, rice protein powder can be transformed into a filling and nourishing meal replacement in a matter of seconds

In its dehydrated powder form, rice protein powder can also serve an easily implemented substitute in recipes that typically call for cake mix or flour when using the standard ingredients. By using rice protein powder as a stand-in for the less healthy powdery ingredients used in conventional baked good recipes, you can have a healthy and energizing alternative to what would normally be an unhealthy snack. Brownies, muffins and cookies can all be replicated in highly satisfying forms with a little creative application of rice protein powder.

What to Look for in a Good Rice Protein Powder

The first step to determine whether any kind of rice protein powder is a suitable choice for you is to examine its specific nutrition information. Depending on what your daily caloric needs are, the standard serving size of a certain brand of rice protein powder may or may not be efficient enough to fit into your daily ideal intake.

Next, consider your health and fitness goals. If you’re looking to lose weight, then examine whether or not the caloric density of the rice protein powder of interest can fit into your diet without sending you into a surplus.

What are your macronutrient needs? Rice protein powder, just like anything else that you consume, will contribute to your total daily macronutrient intake proportions at the end of the day in some capacity.

Based on what your macronutrient intake distribution already is, you may or may not have a pronounced need for additional protein intake. Make sure that you have an accurate idea of just how much protein you need to supplement your diet with to reach an optimal level before deciding to buy the first rice protein powder that you see. Accurately measuring out the right amounts of rice protein powder to meet your daily macronutrient values will allow you to make the most well-informed purchase possible.

Certain rice protein powders will have more protein content per gram than others. If optimizing your protein intake to be the most highly-represented macronutrient in your diet is your main priority, then you will be better off with a protein powder that has more protein density than less.

Ultimately, the best rice protein powder for you will be one that has the energy density and volume match what your personal health goals and intake targets are – in most circumstances, this will be more a matter of personal choice than the objective health value of the rice protein powder itself.

The post 10 Best Rice Protein Powders – Reviewed & Ranked for 2017 appeared first on Supplement Hound - Supplement Reviews for 2017.

from Supplement Hound – Supplement Reviews for 2017 http://supplementhound.com/best-rice-protein-powders/

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10 Best White Mulberry Supplements – Reviewed & Ranked for 2017

Last Updated: Tuesday, May 16, 2017

If you’re looking for the best white mulberry supplements to buy this year, then you’ve come to the right place. 

You can also get more info by jumping to our White Mulberry Supplements Guide.

Top 10 White Mulberry Supplements

#1 Bulksupplements Pure White Mulberry Extract Powder More Info #2 HawaiiPharm Sang Ye Tincture More Info #3 Geneceuticals White Mulberry More Info #4 The Immortalitea Company White Mulberry Leaf Capsules More Info #5 Hamilton Healthcare White Mulberry Leaf Extract More Info #6 Bio Nutrition White Mulberry Leaf Extract More Info #7 Naturetition Supplements White Mulberry Leaf Extract More Info #8 EarhNaturalSupplements White Mulberry Leaf Extract More Info #9 Healthy Life 100% Pure White Mulberry Leaf Extract More Info #10 Nature’s Vision – White Mulberry Leaf Extract More Info

White Mulberry (Morus Alba) Supplements Guide

White Mulberry, also called Morus alba, is a type of mulberry tree. Growing to a height of 10 – 20 meters, the tree is somewhat small in size, but produces huge white flowers that are beautifully beneficial! Although the Mulberry tree has a rather short lifespan that averages about that of a human, it does phenomenal things in its time. Some white mulberry trees have been known to live for as long as 250 years, although this isn’t typical.

The tree is native to Northern China, although it is now grown at a multitude of locations across the world. White Mulberry is used for agricultural purposes, as a medicine, and as a feed for silkworms. We’ll look at the medicinal usage of White Mulberry supplements here.

What is White Mulberry?

White Mulberry has been in existence for about 4,000 years now. No one knew the benefits of the tree, or its leaves, at this time, and so it was used as a source of food for silkworms. It wouldn’t take long for the discovery of White Mulberry’s health benefits to be discovered, and the rest is history!

The leaves from the White Mulberry tree have been used medicinally in Asian culture for thousands of years. It is becoming more commonly used in western countries, providing treatment and aid for a variety of health concerns. Many White Mulberry supplements are now available for individuals wishing to use the product for medicinal purposes. Both men and women can use a White Mulberry supplement, and anticipate many health benefits with their decision.

Treatment and control of Diabetes and blood sugar levels are the two primary benefits of White Mulberry supplements. However, the supplement shouldn’t be used without prior doctor approval, or in lieu-of doctor-prescribed medications. White Mulberry supplements may also offer a plethora of additional uses and benefits.

Benefits of White Mulberry

People use White Mulberry supplements for a variety of health purposes, enjoying many health benefits along the way. White Mulberry supplements offer a multitude of benefits for the user. Those benefits include:

Fights High Cholesterol: Clinical studies conducted on White Mulberry prove that it fights high cholesterol levels and improves good cholesterol levels. With a recent link between high cholesterol and heart disease, and the many other known problems with high cholesterol, there’s even more reason to consider using a White Mulberry supplement.

Immune Health Support: Mulberries are packed with alkaloids that contain Macrophages, an ingredient that makes the body increasingly aware of diseases that are trying to attack. This means fewer colds and allergies for you.

Improves Type 2 Diabetes: Type 2 Diabetes patients may find that White Mulberry supplements gives them an added advantage against the condition. Blocking blood sugar and keeping blood sugar levels within a normal range, while minimizing the symptoms and risks associated with Type 2 Diabetes, are additional benefits.

Helps Control Blood Sugar: When our body is unable to naturally control sugar levels, the threat of many health concerns arises. White Mulberry supplements fight to keep the sugar levels in check, reducing risk of developing conditions such as diabetes, chronic inflammation, and others. DNJ, an ingredient inside of White Mulberry, may even eliminate excess sugar from the body.

White Mulberry supplements are not FDA-approved to treat any of the conditions above, although most herbal supplements are not. White Mulberry benefits vary from one product to the next, raising the importance of choosing the supplement you’ll use carefully. The benefits listed above are just some of the many that you gain when using White Mulberry extract supplements.

Are There Any Side Effects?

White Mulberry supplements are typically considered safe for consumption by healthy adults 18 years of age and older, however, there are a few potential side effects and risks that are possible. If you have questions or concerns about the supplement, you can always talk to your doctor before you begin use.

Potential drug interactions are possible when using a White Mulberry supplement, especially with insulin-type drugs. If you use any type of prescription medication, talk to your doctor before beginning use of a White Mulberry supplement.

Pregnant women shouldn’t use White Mulberry supplements because there is a lack of clinical research on the product to determine its safety on the fetus. Nursing mothers should also avoid using the product due to a risk of excretion through the breast milk.

An allergic reaction is also possible when using this supplement. Individuals with a pollen sensitivity are especially prone to an allergic reaction. If you suspect that you’re having an allergic reaction to the medication, discontinue use, and get medical help quickly. Signs of an allergic reaction include:

Hives

Swelling of the face, throat, or tongue

Sweating

Difficulty breathing

How to Take White Mulberry

Don’t use a White Mulberry supplement until you’ve read the indications for use on the label. Even if you’ve used a White Mulberry supplement in the past, read the directions when using a new product because each supplement is different from the next. When you read the directions on the label, you’ll know exactly how to use the product safely and accurately so you receive the best results.

White Mulberry supplements are typically used three times daily before meals, although actual consumption amounts vary according to the intended results of product use. Many high dosage supplements are available for purchase.

The supplement may cause upset stomach or sensitivity when it is first consumed. Although this symptom should subside once the body has adjusted, drinking a full glass of water with the pill may minimize these risks.

White Mulberry powder supplements are available in addition to capsules and tablets. The powders are easy to mi with water, milk, or other liquids for a delicious, healthy drink that delivers the benefits that you want. If you’re using a powder supplement, dosage amounts are different than the dosing amounts for a capsule supplement.

What to Look for in a Good White Mulberry Supplement

Should you decide that a White Mulberry supplement is right for your needs, carefully choose the product you’ll use. Many supplements are sold at health food and supplement stores, but they’re not all created the same. What should you look for in a good White Mulberry supplement?

Brand: Brand selection is imperative to a successful product purchase. Consider well-known supplement brands who’ve been on the market for a minimum of a few years. Well-known brands have held their place in the market because they’ve exceeded customer expectations.

Price: Although a good White Mulberry supplement shouldn’t cost a small fortune, remember that the price point is an indication of the product quality. When choosing your supplement, keep price in mind, comparing different products along the way. Don’t purchase the cheapest supplement, and certainly avoid the most expensive. The location of purchase is one of the biggest impacts of the cost of the supplement.

Good Reputation: Asking friends, family, co-workers, and others for a White Mulberry product recommendation is free, and highly beneficial when you want accurate, detailed information. Additionally, online reviews are available online at no cost, containing detailed and useful product information from users with firsthand product experience.

Quality Ingredients: White Mulberry is the main ingredient in the supplement, but are there other additives in the product? Read the product label carefully, learning the ingredients found inside the product, and the pros and cons of those ingredients.

The post 10 Best White Mulberry Supplements – Reviewed & Ranked for 2017 appeared first on Supplement Hound - Supplement Reviews for 2017.

from Supplement Hound – Supplement Reviews for 2017 http://supplementhound.com/best-white-mulberry-supplements/

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10 Best White Kidney Bean Extract Supplements – Ranked & Reviewed for 2017

Last Updated: Tuesday, May 16, 2017

If you’re looking for the best white kidney bean extract supplements to buy this year, then you’ve come to the right place. 

You can also get more info by jumping to our White Kidney Bean Extract Supplements Guide.

Top 10 White Kidney Bean Extract Supplements

#1 Bulksupplements Pure White Kidney Bean Extract More Info #2 Natrol White Kidney Bean More Info #3 Genetic Solutions White Kidney Bean Extract More Info #4 NOW Foods – Phase 2 More Info #5 Nature’s Way White Kidney Bean More Info #6 Biotech Nutritions White Kidney Bean Extract More Info #7 Puritan’s Pride White Kidney Bean More Info #8 Wellsome Nutrition All Natural White Kidney Bean More Info #9 Futurebiotics White Kidney Bean Extract More Info #10 Olympian Labs White Kidney Bean Extract More Info

White Kidney Bean Extract Guide

White kidney bean extract is a supplement that is meant to aid in weight loss by preventing the digestion and absorption of carbs. Because heavy intake of carbohydrates, especially refined carbs and refined sweeteners, is associated with weight gain and other negative diet outcomes, blocking the absorption of some carbs may help a person lose weight.

If taken with meals that have low or no carb content, it has no effect.

What is White Kidney Bean Extract?

As the name suggests, white kidney bean extract is taken from white kidney beans. The active ingredient is alpha-amylase inhibitor isoform 1, or Alpha-AI1. Alpha-AI1 is present in nearly all beans and legumes but white kidney beans have a particularly high concentration of it. Therefore, it is not necessary to use white kidney beans to produce a supplement containing Alpha-AI1, but those beans are the most efficient source to use.

As a supplement, white kidney bean extract comes in the form of a pill that you take with meals. Like other supplements, white kidney bean extract is not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. That means there is no law to govern exactly how much Alpha-AI1 is in each pill or dose.

The goal of white kidney bean extract is to help people lose weight while maintaining a diet similar to what they used to eat. By blocking the digestion of carbs, the supplement reduces their dietary impact. The result is a diet that is effectively low-carb even for people who are not consuming an explicitly low-carb assortment of foods.

Because it is a natural component of beans, you can block some carb absorption with a meal that includes some beans. However, the concentration will be so low that the effect will be almost zero. It is generally not possible to replicate a noticeable level of blocking without taking extract, which has been refined and concentrated.

Benefits of White Kidney Bean Extract

White kidney bean extract will not burn fat or build muscle; its benefit is different. Rather than trying to directly affect the amount of fat on the body, white kidney bean extract reshapes a person’s nutritional profile to make it less carb-heavy.

The benefit of this procedure is that many refined carbs contribute significantly to weight gain, so by blocking their digestion, they should pass through the body with a reduced impact. That means it will be possible to lose weight with less diet modification than with other approaches. One of the biggest obstacles to weight loss is adhering to a diet’s rules, so anything that allows for weight loss under more relaxed rules is useful.

Moreover, the modern American diet contains many carbs in foods like bread, pasta, and other staples. Using white bean extract means there is less need to make diet modifications from familiar foods. That means less new recipes to learn and consume. More weight loss can be achieved with less change to the diet. Decreasing the lifestyle changes that come with a new diet makes that diet more accessible and easier to keep. In the long run, it is best to move to a healthy diet without needing supplements, but white kidney bean extract can help with the transition.

White kidney bean is also superior to fat-burning supplements that can alter your metabolism in potentially harmful ways. It simply causes less carbs to be digested and makes no other changes, and you can reduce the effect by taking a smaller dose. Fat-burners tend to have more side effects and you need to exercise more caution when taking them.

Are There any Side Effects?

Side effects are a concern with any drug or supplement. In the case of white kidney bean extract, the key concern is not getting enough nutrients. If carbs form a major part of a person’s diet, blocking the absorption of those carbs could mean not getting enough nutrition. That might cause weight loss, but it would also be unhealthy and put stress on the body.

In addition, there is limited study about exactly how much white kidney bean extract blocks carb digestion and what conditions affect the amount of blocking. For example, the specifics of a person’s diet, the pH of their stomach, their overall health, and other factors can make the extract more or less powerful in unpredictable ways. That means you might be blocking more or less of your carb intake than you expect, so you don;’t actually know how many grams of carbs per meal you are digesting.

Finally, adding undigested food containing carbs to your large intestine can cause bloating, gas, and other concerns. This is why you should monitor these potential symptoms if they arise when you take white bean extract.

How to Take White Kidney Bean Extract

White kidney bean extract is a pill that you take with meals. Like any other pill, you simply swallow it. It takes effect in your pancreas. Your body digests carbs in two areas: your mouth and your pancreatic tract, including the pancreas and small intestine. You do not digest carbs in your stomach because the pH is too high for the digestive enzyme for carbs to function. The pill blocks this enzyme in the pancreas, so you will still digest some carbs in your mouth.

That is why you swallow the pill rather than chewing it. You want to deliver the Alpha-AI1 to the pancreas where it can take proper effect. If you chew the pill, the extract may dissolve in your stomach, where it will have no effect. The dosage to take will vary based on your diet and your goals. Start with a small dose as recommended by the package and then slowly increase it if you wish. Remember that the effects of Alpha-AI1 can vary, so you might see unexpected results from week to week based on other conditions. For that reason, err on the side of small doses and avoid making big changes to your usual dose.

It’s a good idea to measure your weight at least once a week when you are taking white kidney bean extract. That way, you can maintain a healthy rate of weight loss. Exercise should be a part of your lifestyle as well, both to accelerate your weight-loss efforts and to help you build muscle and improve your overall health. This will work better if you can replace some of the carbs in your diet with protein, and you can also wean off the extract that way.

What to Look for in a Good White Kidney Bean Extract

If you decide that you would like to try white kidney bean extract, then there are a few things to keep in mind. First of all, try to find a manufacturer with a good reputation. It won’t be possible for you to test the concentration of extract in each pill yourself, but by going with an established brand, you stand a better chance of doing well. This is not necessarily due to malicious intent. As a natural extract, it isn’t easy to control how much Alpha-AI1 is harvested from the bean, so it takes some experience and equipment to do it correctly.

Next, look at the value of the bottle. Decide on which dose you are going to take and find a bottle that gives you the best savings in cost per dose. Because you will take it with each meal, you want to find a good deal. A good bottle should last you for several weeks. Any less, and you might be taking too high a dose or the bottle wasn’t big enough. You don’t need to buy the biggest bottle you can find, but calculate the cost per dose and get yourself enough to last for a while.

The post 10 Best White Kidney Bean Extract Supplements – Ranked & Reviewed for 2017 appeared first on Supplement Hound - Supplement Reviews for 2017.

from Supplement Hound – Supplement Reviews for 2017 http://supplementhound.com/best-white-kidney-bean-extract-supplements/

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10 Best Vinpocetine Supplements – Ranked & Reviewed for 2017

Last Updated: Tuesday, May 16, 2017

If you’re looking for the best vinpocetine supplements to buy this year, then you’ve come to the right place. 

You can also get more info by jumping to our Vinpocetine Supplements Guide.

Top 10 Vinpocetine Supplements

#1 Swanson Superior Herbs Triple-Strength Vinpocetine More Info #2 Source Naturals Vinpocetine More Info #3 Life Extension Vinpocetine More Info #4 Absorb Health Vinpocetine More Info #5 Piping Rock Health Products Super-Strength Vinpocetine More Info #6 Jarrow Formulas Vinpocetine More Info #7 Pure Encapsulations – Vinpocetine More Info #8 Puritan’s Pride Vinpocetine More Info #9 We Like Vitamins Vinpocetine More Info #10 Naturetition Supplements Vinpocetine More Info

Vinpocetine Supplements Guide

Vinpocetine is considered a nootropic supplement, which means it is a substance that protects neurotransmitters in the brain and enhances brain function. In the field of holistic and alternative medicine, Vinpocetine is used for numerous conditions and disorders.

Some individuals refer to Vinpocetine as a “mental tonic” and although the term may be a bit outdated, it is a good way to describe how the supplement works.

What is Vinpocetine?

Vinpocetine is a synthetic substance; however, it is manufactured from a natural compound called vincamine. The latter is derived from a plant referred to as periwinkle, also called vinca minor. Periwinkle is a perennial shrub that thrives in southern and central Europe, as well as in the southern United States.

These shrubs have remained popular among gardeners for thousands of years, due to their lovely colors, which range from dark violet to light blue. The final product, Vinpocetine, is made from periwinkle seed extract.

Benefits of Vinpocetine

Stroke and Vascular Dementia

According to many holistic practitioners, Vinpocetine enhances blood flow to the brain. Preliminary studies indicate that this enhanced flow of blood may slow the cognitive impairment and decline associated with old-age dementia and ischemic stroke.

Alzheimer’s Disease

Vinpocetine has also been studied as a complementary therapy for those afflicted with Alzheimer’s disease. Some researchers are of the opinion that it protects brain cells from damage by enhancing the organ’s ability to utilize oxygen. This is thought to increase blood flow to the brain and inhibit enzymes such as phosphodiesterase–an enzyme that is thought to reduce the level of oxygen a person’s brain absorbs, particularly as he or she ages.

Tinnitus

Individuals suffering from trauma induced tinnitus, which is characterized by either an intermittent or continuous ringing in the ears, may find a reduction in the frequency and severity of their symptoms when using Vinpocetine. Additional studies are needed, however, to determine if there is scientific proof of this benefit.

Research is also being conducted to discover if the supplement may also help those who suffer from idiopathic tinnitus, which means their symptoms did not come from traumatic injury, but rather they have developed the disorder for no known cause. Although the preliminary clinical trials were completed on individuals suffering from trauma-induced tinnitus, health professionals believe that if the supplement benefits one form of the condition, the odds are high that it will also have a good effect on the other.

Cognitive Function

Vinpocetine is also marketed as an herb for enhanced cognitive function among the general public. For instance, even if one is not suffering from old-age dementia, Alzheimer’s disease or another specific disorder, the supplement may boost memory, the ability to learn and overall cognitive function. This is because Vinpocetine is classified as a cerebral vasodilator–a substance that expands the blood vessels of the brain, and subsequently facilitates blood flow to that organ.

By enhancing cerebral blood flow, Vinpocetine may also support the brain’s ability to access vital nourishment from both oxygen and glucose. Research has proven that Vinpocetine is indeed a cerebral vasodilator, yet it does not change the person’s blood pressure, which is not usually the case with such substances. Along with functioning as a vasodilator, the supplement may also enhance the brain’s ability to remove waste from cells, which leads to enhanced growth of new neurons and neuron maintenance. In certain Vinpocetine reviews, customers have stated that they felt more alert, awake and cognizant after taking the supplement consistently for two to three weeks.

Ischemic Stroke

With regard to its effect on individuals who have suffered an ischemic stroke, Vinpocetine may also prevent death or permanent disability. An ischemic stroke occurs when single or multiple blood clots are formed, which constrict the flow of blood to the brain. This type of stroke kills brain cells, as they fail to receive oxygen throughout the duration of the stroke. Because Vinpocetine is an anticoagulant, it may reduce an individual’s risk of having a second stroke by preventing cerebral blood clots.

Are There Any Side Effects?

Virtually all dietary supplements and herbal remedies are associated with at least a handful of side effects. Fortunately, as of 2016, there are very few negative effects associated with Vinpocetine. For instance, a study was completed in 2011 on men and women suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, and the group of participants reported no side effects at all, despite the fact that the treatment consisted of doses that were fairly high throughout most of the trial.

The majority of participants were given a minimum of 60 milligrams of Vinpocetine per day, which is a higher than average dose.

There have been some reports of side effects linked to Vinpocetine, which include headaches, nervousness, dry mouth, slight nausea, stomach ache and mild dizziness. Additionally, some individuals have reported mild to moderate insomnia when the supplement was taken in the evening. It is assumed that this particular side effect can probably be eliminated by using the supplement earlier in the day.

Participants in most clinical trials who did experience negative side effects stated that they only lasted approximately three to four days. Nevertheless, any person using Vinpocetine who experiences side effects that seem unusual, severe, or that continue for a lengthy amount of time should stop using this supplement and obtain advice from a licensed health care practitioner.

Individuals taking anticoagulants should avoid using Vinpocetine, as it may increase the potency of this kind of medication. Women who are breast-feeding or pregnant should also avoid Vinpocetine, as it is not yet known if the supplement can be transferred in breast milk or if it crosses the placenta.

Those with upcoming surgery should discontinue the use of Vinpocetine approximately ten days prior to the date of their procedure or as directed by their surgeon. Finally, Vinpocetine may cause a temporary blood pressure drop, and therefore anyone with chronic hypotension–low blood pressure–should only use small doses of the supplement and pay close attention to symptoms of hypotension, such as feeling faint, dizziness or a spinning sensation.

How to Take Vinpocetine

The recommended Vinpocetine dosage is determined by a variety of factors, such as a person’s body chemistry, age and the reason for which he or she is using the supplement. Standard dosing is 10 to 30 milligrams taken in two to three doses throughout the day. Individuals using this supplement to improve overall cognitive function can take up to 40 milligrams on a daily basis, divided into three to fours doses.

However, it is wise to begin at 10 milligrams and work up to the higher doses over a period of several weeks. Ramping up too high, too quickly may interfere with a person’s normal intestinal bacteria balance, which can lead to gastrointestinal upset or diarrhea. Consulting a holistic practitioner is always a good idea, as such individual can offer specific advice about the proper doses for each person’s individual needs.

What to Look for in a Good Vinpocetine Supplement

Vinpocetine can be purchased online or in certain vitamin stores. The supplement should be purchased in 5 to 10 milligram capsules so that one can use specific doses throughout the day as needed. Unlike other nootropics, Vinpocetine does not require stringent testing–such as for heavy metals and assay.

However, most holistic practitioner suggest that one find a vendor that performs these tests on all supplements they offer to the public. It is also wise to look for a supplement that does not contain fillers and a long list of inactive ingredients. Rather, one should diligently search for a pure Vinpocetine supplement or one that has only vitamins added to the blend.

Additional research will likely be completed in the future regarding Vinpocetine’s potential health benefits and its effects on cognitive performance and brain function. As is true with any alternative remedy or holistic treatment, it is important to discuss any supplements one plans to use with a licensed medical professional.

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10 Best Schisandra Supplements – Reviewed & Ranked for 2017

Last Updated: Tuesday, May 16, 2017

If you’re looking for the best schisandra supplements to buy this year, then you’ve come to the right place. 

You can also get more info by jumping to our Schisandra Supplements Guide.

Top 10 Schisandra Supplements

#1 Oregon’s Wild Harvest Schisandra More Info #2 Vital Nutrients – Schisandra Extract More Info #3 Starwest Botanicals Organic Schisandra Berry Powder More Info #4 Nature’s Answer Alcohol-Free Schisandra Berry More Info #5 Paradise Herbs Schisandra More Info #6 Bulksupplements Pure Schisandra Powder More Info #7 Planetary Herbals Schisandra Adrenal Complex More Info #8 Herb Pharm Certified Organic Schisandra Berry Extract More Info #9 Barlowe’s Herbal Elixirs Schisandra Berry Extract More Info #10 HawaiiPharm Schisandra Alcohol-FREE Liquid Extract More Info

Schisandra Supplements Guide

Schisandra (also spelled schizandra) is a fruit-bearing plant used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It grows as a woody, creeping vine that flowers and gives grape-like clusters of small, red berries.

The scientific names of the plant are Schisandra chinensis and Schisandra sphenanthera. In TCM the two closely-related vine species are informally called “north” and “south.” Fruit from the schisandra plant is edible. The plant is native to China, Russia, Japan, and Korea. It is related to the magnolia vine that grows in the southeastern United States.

In TCM, schisandra has traditionally been prescribed to help combat mental stress as well as a wide range of physical ailments. Modern medical studies of TCM practices have suggested that patients suffering from irritable bowel syndrome may be helped by a combination of schisandra with dan shen (an herb whose root is used in TCM), bupleurum (a type of woody shrub), ginger, and wormwood. A traditional Japanese herbal formulation called sho-seiryu-to that also contains schisandra has been shown to help people with hay fever.

What is a Schisandra Supplement?

Schisandra plants and their fruits have a variety of common names, including Chinese magnolia vine fruit, five flavor berry, gomishi, ngu mie gee, omicha, and wu wei zi. In complementary and alternative medicine and TCM, schisandra has been used for treating the following conditions:

Asthma

Cough

Depression

Diarrhea

Dysentery

Erectile dysfunction

Excessive sweating

Excessive urination

Exhaustion

Hepatitis

High blood pressure

High blood sugar

High cholesterol

Indigestion

Irritability

Liver problems

Lung problems

Memory loss

Nerve pain

Night sweats

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)

Sleep problems

To increase strength and stamina

The TCM remedy for coughs involves taking the schisandra supplement together with poppy seeds, rolling it in honey, and forming the mixture into a pill. Many of these traditional and complementary medicine uses have not been able to be supported by medical research done through clinical trials.

Benefits of Schisandra Supplements

Animals studies have shown that schisandra supplements have some effect in protecting the liver against toxins, helping the body recover from a certain kind of heart attack called myocardial infarction, increasing endurance, stimulating the metabolism, reducing blood sugar, and protecting cognitive functions.

More research must be done to determine if any of these effects are transferable from animal studies to humans. It’s thought that schisandra supplements help the liver regenerate new cells by stimulating certain liver enzymes, and that in this way, the supplements can help the body heal from liver damage and disease.

Effects on Liver Disease

Only a small number of trials using human subjects have been performed using schisandra supplements. They suggest there may be a benefit to patients with chronic hepatitis who take schisandra supplements along with other antioxidants taken by mouth. Schisandra supplements seem to lower the levels of glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (SGPT) in hepatitis patients, an indicator that liver damage is being repaired. Other clinical trials have suggested that a combination of schisandra supplements with a supplement called sesamin may improve the symptoms of fatty liver disease.

Recipients of liver transplants have reported that schisandra supplements help treat the symptoms of diarrhea that occurs as a side effect of immunosuppressive medication that they have to take post-transplant. This is anecdotal evidence and needs to be investigated further by systematic scientific review.

Mental and Other Effects

A small amount of evidence also suggests that schisandra supplements, used in combination with Siberian ginseng and rhodiola supplements, may have a positive effect on mental performance. Attention, concentration, and speed of thinking all improved after study participants took the supplement containing schisandra. The schisandra, Siberian ginseng, and rhodiola supplements also improved the quality of life of patients with pneumonia.

Schmisandra supplements taken orally also seem to have some effect on exercise performance and endurance. Although more research is needed, early research suggests the supplement may increase endurance and coordination. Further, children with nearsightedness that was non-progressive showed an improvement in their eyesight after being given a schisandra solution every day for 20 to 24 days.

The schmisandra fruit contains antioxidants. Antioxidants help to neutralize the effects of free radicals, molecules that can cause changes in the body that lead to genetic damage and certain types of cancers. These compounds can also help protect against heart disease.

Further research is needed in this area, but at least one study has suggested that schisandra berry extracts may help inhibit the HIV virus from reproducing itself. Specifically, it may help stop the spread of a particular protein made by the HIV-1 virus that has proven resistant to certain HIV drugs that are designed to combat the virus in the human body. Researchers need to study this effect further to see if schisandra can help drug manufacturers overcome drug-resistant HIV infections.

Are There any Side Effects?

Schisandra supplements have been associated with very few side effects in humans and the plant is thought to have a very low level of toxicity in humans. It should be noted, however, that few clinical trials have been done with human subjects.

Minor side effects are said to include cold extremities, decreased appetite, heartburn, itching, skin rash, sleepiness, stomach pain, and stomach upset. People with peptic ulcers should not take schisandra supplements because of a risk of increased stomach acid.

Some authorities claim that people with epilepsy should not take schisandra supplements, although the reason is not entirely clear, but may have to do with the possibility of schisandra supplements affecting the central nervous system. For the same reason, people with high intracranial pressure should not use schisandra supplements. Possible drug interactions with schisandra supplements include warfarin, tacrolimus (an immunosuppressant drug given to transplant patients), P-glycoprotein substrates, and cytochrome P450 3A4 and 1A2 substrates.

Allergic reactions to schisandra supplements are rare, but have been reported. Symptoms of allergic reaction include chest pain, difficulty breathing, hives, itchy skin, swollen skin, and tightness in the chest or throat. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should treat this condition as a medical emergency and seek emergency medical attention immediately.

Pregnancy and Breast Feeding

Those who are pregnant should not use schisandra supplements. Schisandra supplements may cause uterine contractions, which could cause miscarriage. People who are breast feeding should not take schisandra supplements until more research has been done to show that they are safe for nursing mothers and infants who may consume their milk.

How to Take Schisandra Supplements

Schisandra supplements intended to be taken by mouth can be found as capsules and tablets. Those who wish to use schisandra supplements as complementary medicine for the treatment of chronic hepatitis should look for a supplement with a standardized lignan content of 20 mg, since lower concentrations may not be effective.

Extracts of schisandra can also be made into a tincture or a tea. From 5-15 grams of tea per day is a typical dosage, containing 500 mg to two grams of schisandra.

Users of schisandra supplements should adhere to the dosage recommended by the manufacturer. Higher than recommended doses of schisandra supplements have been associated with insomnia and restlessness. As with any dietary supplement, people who are thinking about taking schisandra supplements should consult with a health care provider before starting a supplement regimen.

What to Look for in a Good Schisandra Supplement

Herbal dietary supplements, unlike foods and medicines, are not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). To help them find supplements that have been tested for consistency and quality, consumers can look for a seal of approval from a third-party organization that have a track record of approving safe and effective supplements. ConsumerLab.com, NSF International, and U.S. Pharmacopeia are three bodies that lend their seals of approval to consumer herbal supplements sold in the United States.

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10 Best Red Raspberry Leaf Supplements – Reviewed & Ranked for 2017

Last Updated: Tuesday, May 16, 2017

If you’re looking for the best red raspberry leaf supplements to buy this year, then you’ve come to the right place. 

You can also get more info by jumping to our Red Raspberry Leaf Supplements Guide.

Top 10 Red Raspberry Leaf Supplements

#1 Nature’s Way Red Raspberry Leaf More Info #2 Nature’s Answer Red Raspberry Leaf Vegetarian Capsules More Info #3 Solaray Red Raspberry Leaves More Info #4 Best Naturals Red Raspberry Complex More Info #5 Herb Pharm Certified Organic Red Raspberry Extract More Info #6 Swanson Red Raspberry Leaves More Info #7 Vitacost Red Raspberry Leaves More Info #8 Cassava Shop Organic Red Raspberry Leaf More Info #9 Women’s Health Care Red Raspberry More Info #10 Starwest Botanicals Organic Red Raspberry Leaf Tea More Info

Red Raspberry Leaf Supplements Guide

Red raspberry leaf, or Rubus idaeus, has a more rich and varied history than first meets the eye. According to health expert Dr. Weil, the first recorded use of red raspberry leaf for health purposes actually dates all the way back to 1597!

In fact, there are examples in each of the preceding centuries of how red raspberry use has been used by folk medicine healers for various purposes, most especially for women of child-bearing age.

In this article, learn what you need to know about red raspberry leaf supplements to decide if this might be the right supplement to add to your current health and wellness regimen.

What is Red Raspberry Leaf?

As its name suggests, red raspberry leaf is derived from the red raspberry plant.

According to the Mother Earth News, all varietals of raspberry (red and black) are easy to grow and care for provided you choose the right varietal for your USDA Plant Hardiness Zone.

There are two basic types of red raspberry plants: summer harvest and everbearing (year-round) harvest. Both types provide the same nutritional benefits in whole leaf or supplement form.

If you decide you do want to grow your own red raspberry plants, you will have the benefit of enjoying the fresh nutrient-rich fruits as well as the equally nutritious and beneficial raspberry leaves as a supplement.

However, it is not necessary to grow your own plants to gain full value from red raspberry leaf as a supplement. Different supplemental forms, from teas to tinctures, capsules to tablets, are widely available online and in local health stores.

Benefits of Red Raspberry Leaf

As Wellness Mama points out, many mamas-to-be begin taking raspberry leaf as a supplement when they discover they have conceived.

Currently, a difference of opinion exists as to whether it is better to start taking red raspberry leaf supplements right away or wait until later in the pregnancy. However, no known risk exists so long as the supplement you choose consists of the whole leaf in all of its parts in supplement form.

These are some of the best known benefits of taking red raspberry leaf in supplement form:

High in B vitamins.

High in magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, silica and potassium and iron.

Loaded with Vitamin C, A and E.

Natural tannins make it naturally astringent and soothing.

High in carotenoids and citric acid.

Folk medicine practitioners have traditionally prescribed use of red raspberry leaf for each of these health issues:

Gum disease.

Gingivitis.

Cold sores.

Canker sores.

Nausea.

Leg muscle cramps.

Skin rashes and sunburn.

Sleep disturbances.

PMS (pre-menstrual syndrome).

Irregular bleeding and cramping.

Menopause.

Endometriosis.

Fertility.

Anemia (iron deficiency).

Reduced labor and delivery times.

Overall womb strengthening.

Hormone balancing.

Reducing anxiety.

Are There any Side Effects from Taking Red Raspberry Leaf?

According to WebMD, no known side effects from taking red raspberry leaf as a supplement in any form have been reported to date.

WebMD does caution against using red raspberry leaf in the early stages of pregnancy, stating that it is possible red raspberry leaf may act similarly to estrogen and perhaps cause harm. For this reason, it is always best to talk with your doctor before deciding when to begin taking red raspberry leaf in any form during your pregnancy. The same holds true if you are planning to breastfeed your infant.

Because it is thought that red raspberry leaf might act similarly to estrogen, it is also recommended not to take red raspberry leaf in any form if you suspect you might have (or have been diagnosed as having)any hormone-sensitive health conditions such as ovarian or breast cancer.

There are no known medication interactions for taking red raspberry leaf as a supplement at this time, but always talk with your doctor first if you are taking any medications on an ongoing basis.

How to Take Red Raspberry Leaf Products

Many people love the taste of red raspberry leaf in herbal tea form. It has been described as tasting similar to traditional English black tea. But since it is not caffeinated, it is safe to drink at any time, even right before bed or during pregnancy.

You can purchase whole raspberry leaf or harvest and dry your own. To make a tea, pour 6 ounces of very hot water over the dried leaves and steep for five minutes. If this is your first time taking raspberry leaf tea as a supplement, you may want to start with just one teaspoon-full of dried leaves for steeping.

If you find you react well (which most people do), you can increase your dose per cup to one tablespoon of dried leaves for steeping. You can also pre-brew the tea in larger batches and drink it iced or hot, plain or with some lemon or honey. You can also combine it with other teas without reducing any of its beneficial effects.

You can make a tincture as well. As The Herbal Academy explains, fill a small lidded jar with dried red raspberry leaves. Separately, dilute 3 parts glycerin with one part water. Pour the glycerin solution into the jar with the leaves, then poke with a knife to release air bubbles.

Let the mixture “set” for 4-6 weeks in a dark spot. Decant through a cheesecloth and compost or discard of the glycerin/leaves mixture. What remains is your tincture and it has a 24-month shelf life if stored in a clean, dark, dry place. you can take one-fourth teaspoon in a bit of water up to three times daily.

What to Look for in a Good Red Raspberry Leaf Supplement

Finding a red raspberry leaf supplement is easy to do with the wealth of online and local health resources available today. As mentioned earlier here, you can also choose to grow your own red raspberry plants and then harvest and dry red raspberry leaves for use in teas, tinctures or other forms.

If you prefer to purchase a red raspberry leaf supplement, it is always a good idea to buy from a reputable manufacturer or brand name that you already trust.

You can buy red raspberry leaf in tea or dried leaves form, as a tincture (if using for pregnancy reasons, make sure it is alcohol free!) or extract (liquid forms) and in capsules or tablets.

Some supplements may combine red raspberry leaf with peppermint, raspberry seeds, Asian mushrooms and other ingredients to address different wellness needs. But if this is your very first time to take red raspberry leaf as a supplement, it is a good idea to choose a supplement that features organic pure red raspberry leaf without any additional ingredients just so you can see how your body reacts.

Also look for a red raspberry leaf supplement that does not contain any additives, fillers, artificial ingredients or colors, preservatives, flavorings or anything else that might decrease the efficacy of the supplement itself. Always look to see if the supplement is organic, non-GMO and certified as pure.

It is a good idea to do a search on the manufacturer or brand name before making your final purchase choice. Read what other customers have to say about using that brand to confirm your choice.

When you begin taking red raspberry leaf as a supplement, always follow your doctor’s guidance (or, alternately, follow the manufacturer’s dosing recommendations). It can be wise to start out at the low end of the dosing spectrum and work your way up. This way, you can find the ideal daily dose that meets your needs.

The post 10 Best Red Raspberry Leaf Supplements – Reviewed & Ranked for 2017 appeared first on Supplement Hound - Supplement Reviews for 2017.

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10 Best Red Clover Extract Supplements – Reviewed & Ranked for 2017

Last Updated: Tuesday, May 16, 2017

If you’re looking for the best red clover extract supplements to buy this year, then you’ve come to the right place. 

You can also get more info by jumping to our Red Clover Extract Supplements Guide.

Top 10 Red Clover Extract Supplements

#1 Nature’s Way Red Clover Blossom More Info #2 Source Naturals Red Clover Extract More Info #3 Nature’s Answer Red Clover Top Vegetarian Capsules More Info #4 Bulksupplements Pure Red Clover Extract Powder More Info #5 Solaray Red Clover Phytoestrogen Supplement More Info #6 Oregon’s Wild Harvest Red Clover Organic Capsules More Info #7 Herb Pharm Certified Organic Red Clover Extract More Info #8 HawaiiPharm Red Clover More Info #9 NOW Foods Red Clover More Info #10 Planetary Herbals Red Clover Cleanser Tablets More Info

Red Clover Extract Supplements Guide

When medication is too expensive or doesn’t do enough to alleviate your symptoms, or whether you don’t want medication to be your first line of treatment, certain supplements from natural remedies can help. Red clover extract is one such supplement that has the potential to treat common ailments, especially those experienced by women.

To help you make an informed decision on if red clover extract is the right supplement for your needs, below is information on what it is, possible benefits and side effects, options on how you can incorporate it into your lifestyle, and how you can find a good red clover extract.

What is Red Clover Extract?

Red clover extract comes from the red clover plant, which belongs to the legume family (along with beans, lentils, and peas). This plant has a long history of being used as a natural remedy for a number of conditions such as whooping cough, childhood colds, gout, asthma, and even cancer.

Unfortunately, as with many ancient traditional medicines, its effectiveness in treating these particular conditions has not been verified in modern research at this time. However, that doesn’t mean that red clover isn’t a useful treatment for other conditions, and researchers are actively studying alternative uses of this plant as a natural remedy.

These days, the red clover plant still enjoys a measure of popularity as a natural remedy, though these days the fascination comes from the presence of isoflavone. Isoflavone is an ingredient which in the human body functions similarly to estrogen—this class of plant-based hormones is known as a phytoestrogen.

The isoflavone can be extracted directly from the red clover flower and made into capsules, tablets, liquid extracts, or topical creams depending on your particular symptoms that you want to treat and preferences. This extract can be used in a variety of ways and shows the potential to be able to treat a number of conditions, particularly those that afflict menopausal and post-menopausal women.

Benefits of Red Clover Extract

Studies show some benefits to incorporating red clover extract into your daily routine. The benefits most strongly backed by research include:

Treating Symptoms of Menopause: Since the isoflavone in red clover is chemically similar to estrogen, red clover extract’s primary use and benefit is in treating the symptoms of menopause by making up for the lost estrogen. Many studies bear out the fact that this extract can particularly reduce the occurrence of hot flashes and night sweats, though more research will have to be done to verify if this supplement can also treat other symptoms of menopause.

Preventing Osteoporosis: Lower levels of estrogen is also what causes osteoporosis in menopausal and post-menopausal women. When pre- and peri-menopausal women take red clover extract, they can increase their bone density and prevent bone loss upon the onset of menopause.

Lowering Cholesterol: Red clover extract doesn’t just benefit women—it also has benefits for both genders. One such gender-neutral health benefit is red clover’s potential to reduce LDL cholesterol (the bad cholesterol) and raise HDL cholesterol (the good cholesterol).

Relieving Skin Conditions: When applied topically as an ointment or a cream, red clover extract can also soothe rashes caused by eczema, psoriasis, and other skin conditions.

As far as far as if red clover extract is effective at preventing or treating cancer, thus far the research is mixed. For now, the current recommendation is that women with a history of breast cancer avoid this supplement.

Are There any Side Effects?

While red clover extract is considered to be a safe supplement for most adults, it can have some side effects and interactions. These are the most well-known side effects of red clover extract:

Hormone Imbalance During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Red clover extract is not recommended for women who are pregnant and breastfeeding due to the estrogen-like effects, which can cause a hormone imbalance. While normal dietary amounts might be safe, higher doses are not recommended.

Slow Blood Clotting: While this side effect can be attractive for people who need blood thinners, this extract should not be taken for up to 2 weeks before surgery because it interferes with blood clotting (and therefore the post-surgery healing process). It also shouldn’t be taken in conjunction with anticoagulant medications, as this increases your risk of excessive bruising and bleeding.

Makes Birth Control Less Effective: Red clover extract interacts with birth control methods containing estrogen, making it less effective. When taking red clover, either switch to a hormonal birth control that doesn’t contain estrogen or use a backup method such as a condom.

Medication Interactions: Red clover extract can also interact with medications that are broken down by the liver, making them less effective. If you are unsure if any of your prescription medications are broken down by the liver, check with your medical provider.

How to Take Red Clover Extract

Since red clover extract can be used to treat a variety of conditions, you also have a variety of options as to how you decide to take it every day. Some of the most common options include:

As a Capsule or Tablet: When you take red clover extract as a pill, you can safely stay within the range of 40-160 mg a day. You should try to only take 40 mg at a time, so if you need a higher dose, you can spread it throughout the day.

As a Liquid Extract: Another popular option is to add the fluid extract into hot water to make a tea. Add one ml of liquid extract to hot water and drink the tea up to three times a day.

As a Topical Cream or Oil: To treat symptoms of psoriasis or eczema, you can make your own topical ointment from the fluid extract or you can purchase a cream which contains the red clover extract. Apply as needed, but never apply over an open sore or wound.

On a side note, red clover has also traditionally been used as a cough remedy for children, but as with any supplement, check with your child’s pediatrician to make sure it is safe for children before administering any to your child.

What to Look for in a Good Red Clover Extract Product

As with any supplement, you shouldn’t just walk into a pharmacy and grab the first red clover extract supplement that you can find. Instead, you should assess your physical needs, do your research, and pay close attention to the labels.

When reading the label, pay attention to if the red clover extract is an extract from the entire plant or isoflavone specifically, as the second will have more concentrated doses of the hormone and probably won’t confer all of the same health benefits of the whole plant. Your particular needs will dictate which option you decide to choose. You should also pay attention to the dosage—you don’t want to end up taking too much at a time by accident.

Finally, you want to look for a quality brand. Less reputable makers can add filler ingredients, rendering the extract useless at best and dangerous to your health at worst. Look for a brand that has a commitment to purity and good quality natural ingredients and also has plenty of positive reviews from satisfied customers.

In short, red clover extract can be a useful supplement in treating symptoms of menopause in women as well as lowering cholesterol and alleviating skin conditions. When used correctly, it is also very safe—the highest risk is that it can reduce the effectiveness of certain medications, though pregnant or breastfeeding women or women with a history of breast cancer should avoid high doses of this supplement for the time being. Do your research to find a good supplement, and take it as a pill, tea, or cream, and you can find the supplement that is right for you.

The post 10 Best Red Clover Extract Supplements – Reviewed & Ranked for 2017 appeared first on Supplement Hound - Supplement Reviews for 2017.

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10 Best Pygeum Supplements – Reviewed & Ranked for 2017

Last Updated: Tuesday, May 16, 2017

If you’re looking for the best pygeum supplements to buy this year, then you’ve come to the right place. 

You can also get more info by jumping to our Pygeum Supplements Guide.

Top 10 Pygeum Supplements

#1 Swanson Premium Pygeum More Info #2 NOW Foods Pygeum and Saw Palmetto More Info #3 Solaray Pygeum and Saw Palmetto More Info #4 Herbal Secrets Herbal Secrets African Pygeum Extract More Info #5 Country Life Saw Palmetto and Pygeum Extract More Info #6 Vital Nutrients – Saw Palmetto / Pygeum More Info #7 Oregon’s Wild Harvest Saw Palmetto/Pygeum More Info #8 Nutrissence Pygeum and Saw Palmetto More Info #9 Phytoral Natural Prostate Support for Men More Info #10 Naturetition Supplements Pygeum Bark More Info

Pygeum Supplements Guide

Pygeum is an herbal dietary supplement prepared from the plant Prunus africana (or, alternately, Pygeum africanum). The woody evergreen tree is native to high elevations in central and southern Africa and the island of Madagascar, and pygeum is extracted from the bark. It bears small, white flowers and red fruits that resemble cherries. The fruit is not used in dietary supplements, and although it is edible, it is rarely eaten by human beings because the taste is unpalatable.

Pygeum has been used as a folk remedy for urinary problems and other health conditions. The traditional method of consumption by indigenous Africans is to grind the bark of the tree into a powder and drink the powder in a tea.

Wild Prunus africana plants have become endangered due to overharvesting for the dietary supplement trade. If possible, consumers who choose to use pygeum supplements should look for extracts that come from farmed, rather than wild, stocks of Prunus africana. Tree farms and plantations have been established to help fight the irresponsible harvesting of bark from the wild trees, which can grow up to 150 feet high.

What is a Pygeum Supplement?

Informal names for the plant from which pygeum supplements are derived include African cherry, African prune, and African plum tree. The tree is actually a member of the rose family. In complementary and alternative medicine, pygeum supplements are used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a condition in which the prostate becomes enlarged, making it difficult for men to urinate. BPH affects nearly every man over the age of 50 to some extent.

These supplements have also been used to treat prostate cancer, fever, inflammation, kidney disease, malaria, stomach ache, and urinary problems, as well as to stimulate sexual desire. Many of these uses have not been substantiated by clinical trails.

Benefits of Pygeum Supplements

Studies suggest that pygeum supplements have some effect in reducing the symptoms of mild to moderate BPH, including low urine flow, urinary hesitation, waking up at night to urinate, and pain during urination. Taking a pygeum supplement may help increase urine flow.

Researchers think pygeum supplements are effective for this purpose because compounds in the supplement help clear the prostate of cholesterol deposits and help reduce inflammation in the prostate. Clinic trials have shown that men with chronic prostatitis (an inflammation of the prostate that may be caused by an infection) who take pygeum supplements have improvement of their symptoms.

In France, pygeum supplements are the remedy to treat BPH most commonly used by health care providers. Health care providers in the United States typically resort to surgery to treat the symptoms of BPH. Those who would like to try pygeum supplements as an alternative to surgery to treat the symptoms of BPH should talk to their health care provider.

The anti-inflammatory effects of pygeum supplements are thought to be caused by the extract’s action in stimulating prostate secretions and by decreasing hormones in the area of the prostate. Pygeum supplements are thought to act like estrogen in the human body.

Because pygeum supplements can help reduce swelling of the prostate, these supplements may have some effect on decreasing the symptoms of erectile dysfunction. It should be noted, however, that an enlarged prostate is not the only possible contributing factor to erectile dysfunction. Blood vessel obstruction, decreased sex drive, side effects from medications, stress, and psychological conditions can all contribute to erectile dysfunction and may need to be treated along with prostate conditions before erectile dysfunction can be resolved.

Effects on Male Infertility

Pygeum supplements may also have some effect on male infertility, if the cause of male infertility is related to insufficient prostate secretions. The prostate is the organ that secretes the fluid that protects sperm, which are created in the testes. The seminal fluid that is secreted by the prostate is released by the body along with sperm during ejaculation, contributing to male fertility.

Effects on Hair Loss

Enlarged prostate is correlated with hair loss, so some people take pygeum supplements for their purported ability to help stop hair loss. Both are correlated with the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Substances that inhibit the production of DHT can help stop hair loss. Pygeum supplements are believed to inhibit the production of the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase, which in turn limits the amount of DHT in the body. For this reason, pygeum is often found in herbal formulations for hair loss, although there is no scientific evidence that pygeum supplements are an effective treatment for male pattern baldness.

Are There any Side Effects?

Pygeum supplements are generally thought to be safe for most people to take for periods of 12 months or less. Reports of serious adverse effects from using pygeum supplements are extremely rare. Side effects of taking pygeum supplements include abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, and nausea. These side effects are relatively rare, typically mild, and rarely stop the user from taking the dietary supplement.

Not enough research has been done to determine if pygeum supplements interact with any other prescription drugs or herbal dietary supplements. Pygeum supplements are thought to interact with cytochrome p450. The cytochrome p450 enzyme interacts with drugs and potentially toxic substances in the liver, meaning it can potentially interact with prescription drugs. Those who use prescription drugs should talk to a health care professional before beginning to use pyreum supplements.

Because pygeum supplements are thought to act like phyto-estrogens in the body, those who have certain types of hormone-sensitive cancers may want to avoid using pygeum supplements. Those with a history of breast, uterine, or prostate cancers should discuss any use of herbal dietary supplements, including pygeum supplement, with their health care providers before starting a new supplement.

All herbal dietary supplements, including pygeum supplements, carry some risk of allergic reaction. Signs of allergic reaction include breathing problems, chest pain, hives, itchy skin, rash, swollen skin, and tightness in the chest or throat. Anyone who experiences these symptoms after taking pygeum supplements should treat this as a medical emergency and seek urgent medical attention immediately.

Pregnancy and Breast Feeding

Not enough information is known about the effects of pygeum on people who are pregnant or breast feeding to say conclusively that pygeum supplements aresafe for these conditions. Pregnant and nursing women may want to avoid pygeum supplements until more research has been conducted.

How to Take Pygeum Supplements

To treat the symptoms of BPH, the recommended dosage of a standardized pygeum extract is 75-200 mg taken once per day. Pygeum supplements are typically available in liquid extract, capsule, and tablet form. The supplements are available in health food stores and some drug stores.

Another herbal dietary supplement often used for treatment of prostate symptoms is saw palmetto. Because saw palmetto and pygeum supplements are thought to affect the prostate in different ways, it’s possible that using the two supplements will have a greater cumulative effect on prostate health. However, more research is needed in this area.

What to Look for in a Good Pygeum Supplement

The active ingredients in a quality pygeum supplement should include 0.5% n-docosanol and 14% triterpenes. Extracts of pygeum should be liophilic, i.e. able to be absorbed by the fatty tissues of the body. As with all herbal dietary supplements, people who wish to use this supplement should check with their health care providers before starting a pygeum supplement regimen.

Herbal dietary supplements are not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) the same way that foods and prescription medications are. Some third-party consumer organizations test herbal dietary supplements for safety and consistent amounts of the active ingredients listed on the labels. These organizations are U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP), NSW International, and ConsumerLab.com. Consumers should look for the seal of approval of at least one of these organizations on supplements.

The post 10 Best Pygeum Supplements – Reviewed & Ranked for 2017 appeared first on Supplement Hound - Supplement Reviews for 2017.

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10 Best Policosanol Supplements – Reviewed & Ranked for 2017

Last Updated: Tuesday, May 16, 2017

If you’re looking for the best policosanol supplements to buy this year, then you’ve come to the right place. 

You can also get more info by jumping to our Policosanol Supplements Guide.

Top 10 Policosanol Supplements

#1 NOW Foods Policosanol More Info #2 Swanson Policosanol More Info #3 Source Naturals Policosanol with Coenzyme Q10 More Info #4 Solgar Policosanol More Info #5 Purethentic Naturals Policosanol More Info #6 Jarrow Formulas Ultra Policosanols More Info #7 Piping Rock Health Products Ultra Policosanol More Info #8 Nature’s Life Policosanol and RYR More Info #9 BlueBonnet Policosanol More Info #10 Pure Encapsulations – Policosanol More Info

Policosanol Supplements Guide

What is Policosanol?

Policosanol is a widely available dietary supplement intended to lower bad cholesterol and raise good cholesterol. According to preliminary research conducted in Cuba some years ago, policosanol is a highly effective natural alternative to statin therapy.

Statins are drugs such as Lipitor that inhibit HMG-COa reductase, a liver enzyme that controls the production of cholesterol. Policosanol conveys the same HMG-COa reductase-blocking properties without the dangerous side effects of statins, which include an increase in the likelihood and severity of heart disease.

The word ‘policosanol’ is a generic label within the supplement industry. Depending on the brand that you purchase or the country in which you buy it, policosanol may also be known as:

32-C

Dotriacontanol

Heptacosanol

Hexacosanol

Nonacosanol

Octacosanol

Tetracosanol

Tétracosanol

Tetratriacontanol

Tétratriacontanol

Triacontanol

Cane Sugar Extract

Cane Sugar Wax

All but the last two of these aliases, so to speak, are the names of long chain fatty acid alcohols (the active ingredients) that the generic label “policosanol” refers to. The last aliases, cane sugar extract and cane sugar wax, indicates one of the original sources of policosanol.

The extract comes from the waxy coating of Cuban sugar cane. It was the Cuban-based Dalmer Laboratories that first produced policosanol supplements. All of the initial research data confirming policasonal’s efficacy took place in Cuba using Cuban sugar cane.

Since the days policosanol first became available, several new viable sources have emerged, such as:

Guduchi (an herbaceous vine used often in Ayurvedic medicine)

Switchgrass

Oils of corn, sesame and soybean

Grapeseed oil

Pomegranate seeds

Asian rice

Rice bran oil

Wheat and wheat germ

Beeswax

The process of obtaining policosanol from viable sources begins with the hydrolysis of wax esters and isolating alcohol constituents. “Hydrolysis” refers to the chemical breakdown of compounds via water-based reactions.

The carbon structure of the resulting alcohol constituents is highly saturated, which makes policosanol not only fat-soluble but hydrophobic. Hydrophobic pertains to substances that repel, or fail to combine with, water.

Policosanol is safe to stack with other supplements like multivitamins, minerals and nutraceuticals. In fact, many studies conducted to gauge policosanol’s efficacy involved stacks. These stacks include other lipid-lowering agents or blood thinners, such as:

Aspirin

Red yeast extract

Fish oil

Tomato extract

Grapeseed extract

Berberine

Controversy

Controversy persists about policosanol’s effectiveness due to conflicting research results. Recall that all of the initial Cuban research used policosanal derived from Cuban sugar cane wax.

Coincidentally, 100 percent of this Cuban-based research confirms that policosanol indeed lowers bad cholesterol, or low-density lipoprotein (LDL). However, research outside of Cuba consistently fails to reproduce the same results.

Results from studies around the world are so dismal, their outcomes lower the overall success rate of policosanol’s efficacy from 100 percent to less than 20 percent. Both sets of studies employed similar dosing and pools of participants.

Three popular theories possibly explain the great disparities between Cuban-based policosanol studies and those conducted in laboratories around the world. One theory is that published results of the Cuban studies are biased.

Another theory is that studies outside of Cuba did not observe a similar dietary protocol among participants and, consequently, yielded less favorable results. In any case, all studies confirm that policosanol is utterly safe. Intended overdoses among research animals did not result in toxicity or adverse reactions.

Finally, the Cuban-based policosanol used in the original studies is a patented form derived from Cuban-grown sugar cane. Owing to patent and political issues, this patented form of policosanol has not been available in the United States.

Policosanol sold in the United States comes mostly from beeswax or wheat germ. Both of these substances contain similar active constituents to Cuban sugar cane-based policosanol but in markedly different mixtures. This may account for discrepancies, but the jury’s still out.

Policosanol has a high degree of shelf-stability. Capsules containing 5 to 10 milligrams can keep fresh and retain potency for up to nine months under normal storage conditions. One of the active long chain fatty alcohols, octacosanol, tends to degrade slightly, but not enough to render the entire supplement ineffective.

Benefits of Policosanol

The main benefits of policosanol supplementation are its lipid-lowering effects. In addition to acting on the liver’s ability to produce cholesterol, policosanol also augments the breakdown of bad cholesterol.

Policosanol potentially works synergistically with other natural statin-like supplements, such as red yeast rice. Policosanol also boosts the overall health of your heart and blood vessels.

For example, policosanol naturally reverses symptoms of antiphospholipid syndrome, otherwise known as “sticky blood.” Sticky blood is a condition in which highly sticky blood platelets bind together in your blood vessels (platelet aggregation).

Sticky blood platelets cause dangerous clots that lead to other conditions, such as deep vein thrombosis and atherosclerosis. Blood clots pose additional risks because they can travel.

As a result, policosanol enhances aspirin’s anticoagulant properties and vice versa. By diminishing the extent of artery clogging, policosanol inadvertently improves health issues related to poor circulation, such as claudication.

Stacking policosanol with omega-3 fatty acids possibly stabilizes mood and supports a healthy mood state long term. Policosanol might also reduce the proliferation of smooth muscle cells.

Such proliferation is a major contributing factor to the retention of bad cholesterol and the inflammation of blood vessel walls.

Are There Any Side Effects?

Policosanol has no inherent side effects, but it can interact negatively with some medications and supplements. Since policosanol greatly diminishes the possibility of platelet aggregation, stacking policosanol in high amounts with blood thinners or anticoagulants (aspirin, ginkgo biloba) is inadvisable.

Consult your doctor before taking policosanol if you’re already taking statins, warfarin, clopidogrel or prasugrel. A few studies show that policosanol might intensify the hypotensive side effects of nitroprusside and beta-blockers.

However, research shows that a small percentage of people who supplement with policosanol experience adverse reactions. Some of the common adverse reactions are:

Insomnia

Excess urination

Headache

Fatigue

Rash

Weight loss

There are many reasons why some people’s bodies don’t agree with some supplements. Adverse reactions don’t necessarily mean there’s something wrong with you or the supplement.

You might be allergic to one of the supplement’s whole-food sources or to common allergens present on the machinery in the manufacturer’s facilities. You might also need to readjust the dosage, tweaking it every several weeks to find the critical dose that offers benefits without side effects. Speaking of dosages…

How to Take Policosanol

To take policosanol, begin with half the dose that the manufacturer recommends to assess your tolerance. Raise the dose to optimal levels over a series of days or weeks.

Standard dosages (used in all of the original Cuban studies) are 5 to 10 milligrams twice daily. There is no evidence that this dose is bioactive. There is no recent data to support the efficacy of higher or lower doses.

Choose between capsules, tablets, softgels, caplets or chewables.

What to Look for in a Good Policosanol Product

To appraise policosanol supplements, first review the manufacturer’s professional reputation and business practices. Look for quality assurance and manufacturing certifications, such as GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice.)

Next, give favor to supplements packaged in fully disclosed labels. Transparency implies confidence and honesty on the manufacturer’s part. Lastly, ask around and consult customer reviews on major e-commerce websites and online fitness forums.

Attention in the media and endorsements from fitness professionals who are not affiliated with manufacturers are another way to gauge a supplement’s popularity and its effectiveness.

The post 10 Best Policosanol Supplements – Reviewed & Ranked for 2017 appeared first on Supplement Hound - Supplement Reviews for 2017.

from Supplement Hound – Supplement Reviews for 2017 http://supplementhound.com/best-policosanol-supplements/

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10 Best Plant Protein Powders – Reviewed & Ranked for 2017

Last Updated: Tuesday, May 16, 2017

If you’re looking for the best plant protein powders to buy this year, then you’ve come to the right place. 

You can also get more info by jumping to our Plant Protein Powders Guide.

Top 10 Plant Protein Powders

#1 Orgain Organic Plant Based Protein Powder More Info #2 Sunwarrior – Warrior Blend More Info #3 PlantFusion Complete, 100% Plant Based Protein Powder More Info #4 Vega Protein & Greens More Info #5 Garden of Life Organic Greens and Protein Powder More Info #6 Naturade Vegansmart All-in-one Nutritional Shake More Info #7 Jarrow Formulas Optimal Plant Proteins More Info #8 Nutiva Organic Plant Protein Superfood More Info #9 Purely Inspired Organic Protein Shake More Info #10 Now Foods Plant Protein Complex More Info

Plant Protein Supplements Guide

There are plenty of people who assume that plant based protein powders are only meant for vegans, but that is not the case. In reality, they have a lot to offer to most athletes. The key to putting them to good use is to understand the traits that make them different from other protein powders, and to use them in a way that takes advantage of those unique qualities.

What is Plant Based Protein Powder?

Plant based protein powder includes any protein supplement that comes from a plant, rather than those that are made from animal products, such as whey or eggs. There are a huge number of plants that can be used to make the powder. Peas are a common choice, as are legumes such as lentils and peanuts.

Manufacturers love to use them because they naturally have a very high concentration of protein. Rice, hemp, and even pumpkin are also used by many manufacturers. Each ingredient brings a different blend of nutrients to the powder, and it can also have a big impact on its taste and texture.

In many cases, manufacturers prefer to use a mix of ingredients rather than a single type. They do so because many individual plants are low in one or two amino acids. A blend that includes plants with different strengths ensures that the powder provides an adequate supply of every amino acid. In some cases, it can also help to produce a superior flavor or texture for the blend.

Benefits of Plant Based Protein Powder

Plant based powders offer a variety of benefits. Some of them are entirely nutritional, but the powders also offer benefits to people who want to protect the environment or help animals.

Nutritional Benefits

Allergic reactions to animal based powders are surprisingly common. Whey is the most common culprit, since many people who are sensitive to lactose have an adverse reaction to it. Egg allergies are also a concern for many people. Plant based powders provide an alternative choice, since the wide variety of options ensures that most people can find a powder that does not provoke a reaction.

Plant powders also provide some nutrients that other powders tend to lack. In particular, plant based powders usually contain significantly more fiber than the alternatives. Fiber can help to improve digestive health, reduce cholesterol levels, and even help to maintain a healthy weight for some individuals. Most people don’t get nearly as much fiber as they should, so choosing a supplement that can provide it along with a dose of protein can be a great way to improve a diet without any extra work.

Environmental Benefits

The environmental benefits are also significant. Cattle farming consumes a huge amount of water and generates a large part of the world’s greenhouse cases. It’s terrible for the environment, but it continues to exist because of the huge demand for animal products. Anything that reduces that demand will reduce the industry’s impact on the environment. Protein powder makes up a relatively small part of the demand for animal products, but it still has an impact. Every little bit helps when it comes to the environment.

In contrast, agriculture that focuses on plants has a much smaller impact on the environment. Plants can produce just as much protein as animals, but they do it with fewer energy inputs and while using only a fraction of the water that animals use. They also remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere as part of their normal metabolic function instead of releasing more greenhouse gases.

All of that means that the environmental impact of a plant based protein powder is massively lower than the impact of a powder that uses animal ingredients, so all environmentalists should strive to use plant based powders whenever they can.

Are There Any Side Effects?

Side effects are rare, but they do happen from time to time. In most cases, people only suffer side effects if they have an unusual sensitivity to one of the ingredients in the powder, or if they take an excessive amount at once. The precise side effects vary from one ingredient to the next.

Some people experience digestive problems from consuming soy in large quantities. Since soy is a legume, it’s a fairly common ingredient in many plant based protein powders. People who know that they are sensitive to soy have two options for dealing with this side effect. The easiest is to simply choose a powder that does not include any soy. That needs to be done with care, since most blends do include it, but it isn’t particularly difficult to find a good one that does not.

Alternatively, consuming the powder in smaller doses can also resolve the problem. This is a great option for people who are only mildly sensitive to soy, but people with a more severe sensitivity will usually find that they need to avoid it altogether.

Contamination is a concern in a small number of powders, especially those that include rice. The most common problem is contamination with traces of heavy metals, which are absorbed by the rice while they grow. Fortunately, the problem is usually restricted to cheap, low-quality powders.

Rice that comes from areas with strict agricultural regulations will almost never include heavy metals, but it does cost a little bit more than unregulated rice. Cheaper powders use the unregulated rice, while even intermediate powders usually use the safer, regulated rice supply. Simply choosing a quality powder will avoid this problem.

How to Take Plant Based Protein Powder

Plant based protein powders can be used in the same way as other powders. Most people take them immediately after the workout to help get through the recovery period and maximize their gains.

Preparing the powder is fairly easy. Some people like to bake with them to boost the protein in bread, but most people mix them with a vegan milk substitute and drink them. Many of these substitutes, such as soy milk, are made from the same ingredients as the powder.

People who use a powder that is missing one or two amino acids can often supplement it by mixing it with a milk substitute that does contain that amino acid. Most plant powders have fairly neutral flavors, so people who buy unflavored powders often include some fruit or another flavoring in their drink to make it more palatable. Those who do so need to make sure that they choose a healthy flavoring to make sure they don’t counteract the benefits of their workout.

What to Look for in a Good Plant Based Protein Powder

The most important factor in any powder blend is the nutritional content. In most cases, it’s best to look for one that offers a complete protein. Some pure powders can do so, but that usually means picking a protein powder that comes from a blend of several different plants.

Fiber content is not quite as important as protein, but it is still important, so most people will want to find a mix that offers as much fiber as possible without sacrificing any protein. Some blends will also offer other nutrients, such as vitamins, but those are less important because most people can get them from other foods.

Quality is also a concern, since inferior powders are prone to side effects. The best way to identify a quality powder is to look for reviews, but that isn’t the only option. Look for powders that have been on the market for a long time and offer clear nutritional information.

Avoid any powders that look significantly cheaper than their competitors, since that usually indicates a company that is willing to sacrifice quality to cut costs. While these strategies are not substitute for thorough, they will help to avoid the worst powders and narrow down the choices.

The post 10 Best Plant Protein Powders – Reviewed & Ranked for 2017 appeared first on Supplement Hound - Supplement Reviews for 2017.

from Supplement Hound – Supplement Reviews for 2017 http://supplementhound.com/best-plant-protein-powders/

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10 Best L-Ornithine Supplements – Reviewed & Ranked for 2017

Last Updated: Tuesday, May 16, 2017

If you’re looking for the best ornithine supplements to buy this year, then you’ve come to the right place. 

You can also get more info by jumping to our Ornithine Supplements Guide.

Top 10 Ornithine Supplements

#1 BulkSupplements Pure L-Ornithine HCL Powder More Info #2 NOW Foods L-Ornithine More Info #3 Jarrow Formulas Arginine and Ornithine More Info #4 Solgar L-Arginine/L-Ornithine More Info #5 NOW Foods L-Arginine/Ornithine More Info #6 Ultimate Nutrition Arginine Ornithine Lysine More Info #7 Twinlab Inc L-Arginine & L-Ornithine More Info #8 Puritan’s Pride L-Arginine L-Ornithine L-Lysine More Info #9 Best Naturals Tri-Amino More Info #10 Olympian Labs Arginine 500mg & Ornithine More Info

L-Ornithine Supplements Guide

Ornithine is one of many amino acids the body has various uses for, the most important one being the urea cycle, which is sometimes called the ornithine cycle according to News Medical Life Sciences.

While ornithine is not considered one of the essential 22 amino acids (the term “essential” refers to the body’s inability to make these amino acids on its own), the body’s access to sufficient quantities of self-manufactured ornithine can be limited by high stress, illness, trauma, infection or injury.

According to Amino Acid Studies, it is possible to get ornithine from certain foods, such as eggs, meat, fish and dairy, but taking ornithine in supplement form (tablets, capsules, powder) is just as good and sometimes even preferable to trying to get sufficient quantities through diet alone.

As well, Orthomolecular reports that even with a diet rich in orthinine-generating foods, the average person will produce only 5 grams per day of ornithine just by eating ornithine production-promoting foods. For this reason, taking ornithine in supplement form is highly recommended to get the higher doses required for addressing conditions ornithine is known to effectively address.

In this article, learn about ornithine – what it is, what it does, how much you need, whether it can cause any side effects and how to choose and take an ornithine supplement.

What is Ornithine?

Ornithine is a critical component in the urea cycle of the body. In order to understand the critical function of ornithine, it is helpful to understand what the urea cycle is and how it works to keep the body healthy.

The goal of the urea cycle is to eliminate toxins from the body through the urine. The primary toxin to be eliminated is the nitrogen by-product ammonia. When the body cannot effectively eliminate ammonia via waste, it builds up in the blood stream and causes damage to the entire system.

According to Health Grades, there are a variety of reasons why the body might not be able to effectively eliminate ammonia, including liver or kidney damage. Insufficient ornithine levels can also impair the urea cycle from functioning optimally.

BioInfo reports that ornithine is essential to the body’s efforts to produce urea. Adding more ornithine in the form of a supplement can aid the body’s own efforts to detoxify and produce urea to transport ammonia out of the body.

Benefits of Ornithine

Ornithine has much to offer beyond its recognized role in the urea cycle. A National Institutes of Health (NIH) study reported that study participants who were taking ornithine (along with arginine) in supplement form showed marked increases in total body strength, lean body mass and decreases in tissue breakdown.

WebMD reports that ornithine has been used effectively to reduce body toxicity as a result of liver disease. It does this by helping the body to more effectively produce urea to transfer ammonia out of the body. It has also been shown to be effective in improving wound healing.

Dr. Ray Sahelian reports that ornithine has shown research promise for the following uses:

Burn and healing. Ornithine can speed healing from burn injuries and other wounds.

Malnutrition. Ornithine helps reverse chronic (in elderly patients) and acute (in trauma patients) malnourishment by improving appetite and promoting weight gain.

Growth hormone. Ornithine can improve production of human growth hormone (HGH).

Insulin. Ornithine has been shown to improve insulin production.

Immune system function. Ornithine can stabilize and strengthen the immune system.

Digestive support. Ornithine can improve absorption of nutrients and elimination of waste (urea, ammonia).

Sarcopenia. Ornithine can replace lost muscle mass as part of the normal aging process.

Sleep and fatigue. Ornithine can improve sleep quality while reducing fatigue.

Hepatic encephalopathy. Ornithine can reduce ammonia build-up that impacts brain function in liver disease patients while also improving overall liver function.

Cancer. Ornithine in green tea has been shown to inhibit some cancers.

Stress. Ornithine has been shown to lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol in research participants.

Are There any Side Effects?

According to WebMD, there are no known side effects or drug interactions with ornithine.

However, WebMD cautions against taking ornithine if you are trying to conceive, are pregnant or are breastfeeding. The reason is that not enough research has been done to determine if there may be any adverse effect on you or your baby.

Nutrient Journal reported that taking ornithine at higher levels may cause some side effects such as gastrointestinal distress, stomach aches and diarrhea. To avoid side effects, it is smart to start at the lowest possible dose to allow your body to get used to having a ready supply of ornithine.

How to Take Ornithine

If ornithine is not the only amino acid supplement you are taking, you should be sure to leave at least 30 minutes in between taking one amino acid and another to avoid possible interactions between the amino acids.

Also, if you tend to eat more protein in your diet, try to space out your ornithine doses so there is at least 30 minutes between when you take ornithine and when you eat protein. Ideally, take ornithine 30 minutes before eating your meals. This will ensure the protein doesn’t diminish the impact of the ornithine.

According to Online Holistic Health, the dosage you begin with should conform to the purpose you are taking ornithine for.

As an example, if you are taking it for wounds, burns, infection or injury healing, a good starting dose is between 10 and 30 mg per day, ideally in two or three separate doses spread throughout your day.

If you are taking ornithine to kill off a parasite, a dose from 2 to 10 grams per day should suffice.

According to Nutrition Journal, for many, ornithine seems to have mild relaxant qualities that can reduce stress levels and improve your quality of sleep. This means the best time to take it is just before you go to bed each night.

However, if you notice you don’t have these effects when taking ornithine, then you can take it at any time that is most convenient for you.

What to Look for in a Good Ornithine Supplement

When you are choosing an ornithine supplement, you will see ornithine listed as “L-ornithine.”

According to Shape Fit, the L stands for “Laevorotatory.” It is a designation that lets you know the amino acid is in a pure state – very similar to the state it would be in if found naturally in your body – and that it is not attached to any other amino acids.

It is always a good idea to purchase ornithine from a manufacturer or brand name you trust. Read the information carefully to verify that the product only contains ornithine and no other ingredients. If the product is in capsule form, there may be some inert ingredients (gelatin, silica, et al) that are used to make the capsule shell.

Be sure you don’t see any artificial ingredients, preservatives, colors, flavors or known allergens (dairy, gluten, nuts, et al).

If you are taking ornithine as a powder, you can easily control your initial dosage by using less per serving. If you want to take ornithine in capsule or tablet form, try to select a form with a lower dose per capsule so you can start slowly and build up to higher doses without side effects.

By taking the time to learn more about what ornithine is, how it works, how your body can use it best, how to select a supplement and what dosage to begin with, you can make sure that you have the best possible experience and achieve your desired results.

The post 10 Best L-Ornithine Supplements – Reviewed & Ranked for 2017 appeared first on Supplement Hound - Supplement Reviews for 2017.

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10 Best Olive Leaf Supplements – Reviewed & Ranked for 2017

Last Updated: Tuesday, May 16, 2017

If you’re looking for the best olive leaf supplements to buy this year, then you’ve come to the right place. 

You can also get more info by jumping to our Olive Leaf Supplements Guide.

Top 10 Olive Leaf Supplements

#1 NOW Foods Olive Leaf Extract More Info #2 Nature’s Way Olive Leaf Extract More Info #3 Gaia Herbs Olive Leaf More Info #4 Pure Encapsulations Olive Leaf Extract More Info #5 BlueBonnet Olive Leaf Herb Extract More Info #6 Oregon’s Wild Harvest Olive Leaf More Info #7 Solgar Olive Leaf Extract More Info #8 Solaray Olive Leaf More Info #9 Paradise Herbs Olive Leaf More Info #10 Designs For Health Olive Leaf Extract More Info

Olive Leaf Supplements Guide

Olive leaf is great for treating hypertension. It has a wide range of other possible health benefits.

What Is Olive Leaf?

This supplement is simply the leaf of the olive plant, Olea europaea. It is the same tree that produces the olive fruit and olive oil that we all know. This tree was originally cultivated in Crete, a large island off the coast of Greece, as early as 3,500 BC. The olive tree is an evergreen that grows up to around 30 feet high, and though it is native to the Mediterranean, it is now also grown in similar climates across the globe.

Olive Leaf Throughout the World

Olives, olive oil, and olive leaves are all major components of various Mediterranean cuisines. However, the olive plant and its derivatives also claim a place in traditional medicines. Olea europaea is used in folk remedies throughout the Mediterranean, including in countries such as France, Greece, Israel, Italy, Morocco, Spain, Tunisia, and Turkey. However, the range of olive as medicine extends as far as the southern end of Africa, where it is favored as herbal medicine by the Sotho, Xhosa, and Zulu peoples.

Why Olive Leaf is Healthy for You

Many are already familiar with the health benefits of adding olive oil to your diet. Olive leaf shares many of the same chemical constituents as olive oil, which means it has similar health effects. Olive leaf contains many beneficial chemical compounds, including triterpenes, flavonoids, phenolics, and many others. However, the main bioactive compounds in olive leaf is oleuropein. Oleuropein is a compound with various health benefits that is also found in olive oil. It is thought to be the chemical responsible for olive oil’s distinct and pungent taste.

Benefits of Olive Leaf

There are many purported benefits of olive leaf. However, not all of these are scientifically proven. Here we will only talk about researched uses, and not unproven folk uses.

The number-one best use of this herb is that olive leaf notably reduces blood pressure. Second to this, taking olive leaf can help lower blood sugar in people with diabetes. It also slightly increases insulin sensitivity. These effects are only observed in people who have hypertension or diabetes; healthy people may not see any difference.

Taking olive leaf may slightly increase good cholesterol and slightly decrease bad cholesterol. However, the magnitude of effect is quite small and this benefit does not occur for everyone.

There are also various benefits of olive leaf that have been observed in animals but not tested in humans. Olive leaf may be antioxidant, immune-boosting, anti-atherosclerosis, neuroprotective, cardioprotective, and thyroid-stimulating.

Experiments done with mice have found that taking olive leaf makes your skin more resistant to sun damage. This effect could potentially apply to humans as well. So, olive leaf may be of interest to those who live in sunny climates, spend a lot of time outside, wish to prevent skin aging, or have a family history of skin cancer.

It’s important to note that while olive leaf has health-promoting properties, it should not be used to treat a disease or medical condition. For example, feel free to use it to promote recovery from diabetes, but do not rely solely on olive leaf; also follow your doctor’s instructions for treatment and medication.

Are There Any Side Effects?

Olive leaf is not very well-studied. For this reason, there is no list of known side effects. It is likely that olive leaf hardly ever produces side effects when taken in a moderate dose. If you experience any negative reaction to olive leaf, stop taking it and consult a medical professional. If you have a known allergy to olive products then you will probably experience an allergic reaction if you take an olive leaf supplement.

Other Important Safety Information

Many other things go into using a supplement safely besides knowing what the side effects are. Some supplements can make medical conditions worse, interact with medications, or be unsafe to use for certain people. However, since olive leaf has not been studied very well so far, much of this safety information remains unknown. It isn’t known whether it’s safe to use olive leaf if you’re pregnant or lactating, so it is better to stay on the safe side and not use it during these periods of your life.

Despite olive leaf’s lack of comprehensive research, we can deduce from olive leaf’s effects which are the medications and medical conditions that don’t go well with olive leaf:

Since olive leaf can decrease blood pressure, don’t take it in conjunction with any blood pressure medicines or if you already have hypotension.

Since olive leaf can decrease blood sugar, don’t take this herb if you’re already taking insulin or other blood sugar medicines; also, don’t take olive leaf if you have type 1 diabetes or other problems with low blood sugar.

Olive leaf may affect the rate of blood clotting. Don’t take it if you take a medication that also slows blood clotting.

Olive leaf could interact with other medications as well, but it is hard to say for sure. If you take any other medication, use caution when adding olive leaf to your regimen. If you notice any negative effect of taking olive leaf with a prescription medication, then stop taking olive leaf immediately.

How to Take Olive Leaf Supplements

There are various ways to take olive leaf. A common and easy way is to simply buy capsules containing either olive leaf extract or olive leaf powder. If you choose to take this route, just follow the directions on the label. It is not certain what is the best dosage of olive leaf, nor what is the highest dose you can take safely. However, 500 to 1000 milligrams daily is a common and well-tolerated dose.

Supplementing With Whole Olive Leaf

You can also opt to buy whole olive leaf. It is possible to purchase dried herbs in large quantities; dried herbs keep well and doing this may be more cost-effective than buying pre-made capsules. There are various ways you can reap the health benefits of whole olive leaf. You can chop it up and add it to Mediterranean recipes for an authentic flavor; when using it in cooking you should be sure to consume the entire leaf in order to get the health benefits. Using it like a bay leaf, i.e. adding it while the food is cooking but removing it before serving, may not confer the same health benefits.

Another possibility is to make olive leaf tea. Boil 1 cup of water; let it cool off for 3-5 minutes as too-hot water may destroy olive leaf’s healthful chemicals. Steep 1 tablespoon of chopped olive leaf in this hot water for 10 to 15 minutes. Drink at least one cup per day.

What to Look For in a Good Olive Leaf Supplement

Shopping for olive leaf capsules is relatively intuitive. As with any product you’re looking to buy, you should be sure to only purchase from trustworthy companies. If you aren’t sure if a company is reputable, an Internet search could tell you. Customer reviews and your gut instinct can also help you pick the best supplement company to buy your olive leaf pills from.

The options for buying whole olive leaf are a little more interesting. Of course, you can buy whole herb on the internet. If you want to purchase whole olive leaf online, look up reviews for different herb sites in order to pick a trustworthy one. But, you can also buy olive leaf in stores. You might find especially high quality and affordable whole olive leaf in Mediterranean or international grocery stores, if there is one near you.

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10 Best Cat’s Claw Supplements – Reviewed & Ranked for 2017

Last Updated: Tuesday, May 16, 2017

If you’re looking for the best cat’s claw supplements to buy this year, then you’ve come to the right place. 

You can also get more info by jumping to our Cat’s Claw Supplements Guide.

Top 10 Cat’s Claw Supplements

#1 Nature’s Way Cat’s Claw Bark More Info #2 Solgar Cat’s Claw More Info #3 Solaray Cat’s Claw More Info #4 Pure Mountain Botanicals Cat’s Claw More Info #5 Now Foods Cat’s Claw More Info #6 Source Naturals Cat’s Claw More Info #7 Pure Encapsulations Cat’s Claw More Info #8 Planetary Herbals Cat’s Claw More Info #9 Peruvian Naturals Cat’s Claw More Info #10 Nature’s Herbs Cat’s Claw More Info

Cat’s Claw Supplements Guide

What is Cat’s Claw?

The cat’s claw vine is found in the Amazon rainforest and other heavily precipitous biospheres on the South Central American continents. The term “cat’s claw” is based on the vine’s appearance, vaguely resembling the nails of a cat. The use of cat’s claw for health purposes can be traced back to ancient Inca culture.

From antiviral healing to contraception, cat’s claw has been utilized with the intentions of activating a number of health-based effects throughout history. Motives for the use of cat’s claw has varied between the many different civilizations that have historically been documented as using it in their medicinal practices, but ultimately, cat’s claw has become recognized as one of the world’s most widely recommended herbal health agents by word of mouth.

The two most common variants of cats claw are U. guianensis and U. tomentosa. Of these two types of cat’s claw, the U. tomentosa variant is the one that is more commonly converted into a dietary supplement form.

Benefits of Cat’s Claw Supplements

As a dietary supplement, cat’s claw is currently employed for just as wide a range of possible health benefits in the modern age as it has always been throughout history. Some of the health conditions that the supplement is sought out for include cancer, hemorrhoids, gastrointestinal diseases, Alzheimer’s and gastritis.

Aside from anecdotal reports, there is more room for conclusive clinical research to substantiate the exact extent of cat’s claw’s health benefits. To date, there is still a relative deficit in the indisputable scientific evidence that can be used as an objective testament to cat’s claws concrete benefits.

Despite the room that there is for more clinical substantiation, the word-of-mouth about cat’s claw’s potential benefits has been consistently positive. Studies conducted around the world to ascertain the objective beneficial qualities of cat’s claw have been conducted since the 1970s, and through it all, cat’s claw has become one of the most highly sought-after forms of herbal treatment in the world.

The most notable points made in support of cat’s claw’s potential health-facilitating abilities relate to its bark and roots. Within the bark and roots of cat’s claw are apoptotic oxindole alkaloids. Though there has not yet been a clinical consensus on the impact of ingestion of oxindole alkaloids through cat’s claw supplementation specifically, these alkaloids have been demonstrated as having the ability to stimulate the immune system.

While the correlation between immune system stimulation and dosages of cat’s claw have not yet been determined in full, these alkaloids have been linked to the possibility of activating a healing factor in those who administer them. Different varieties of these alkaloids have been noted to have a different levels potential for health-facilitating action, and the variation with the highest potential of them all is considered to be Isopteropodin.

Ideally, the administration of Isopteropodin can increase the vitality of the immune system through anti-oxidative action. By facilitating a larger reservoir of antioxidants in the body, cat’s claw supplementation could ideally help the body have a better quality of defense against free radicals.

Should the immune response strengthening abilities of Isopteropodin be replicable within the other alkaloids located in cat’s claw’s roots, then the plant could arguably possess the potential to act as an all-purpose fighter of harmful bacteria, viruses, and various microorganisms with the potential to cause diseases if left unchecked.

Further Benefits

In all of the word-of-mouth surrounding cat’s claw’s potential health benefits, one of the most commonly-recurring points of discussion has been its effect on a certain breast cancer cell line known as MCF7.

The suggestion has been that cats claw my possess the potential to mitigate MCF7 proliferation, which if successful, could imply cat’s claw’s power mitigate the spread of other related cancer cell lines before they are able to spread.

The suggestion that cat’s claw may have an anti-proliferative activity on cancer cells has led to its implementation as an agent against several multiple immunological diseases. Claims made to substantiate cat’s claw’s role as an immune system defender include its beta sitosterol, proanthocyanidin, and glycoside content.

In addition to the suggestion that cat’s claw could serve as a powerful form of support for the immune system, other discussions have centered around cat’s claw’s potential to act as a cognitive health enhancer as well. The purported cognitive benefits of cat’s claw have been linked to its role as a TNF-alpha production inhibitor. By actively inhibiting TNF-alpha synthesis, cat’s claw could allegedly work against the accelerated degradation of memory with age.

Cat’s claw has also been said to possess a potential ability to act as an anti-inflammatory agent as well. By acting as an anti-inflammatory, cat’s claw could serve as helpful countermeasure against gout, delayed onset muscle soreness and arthritis.

Are There any Side Effects?

To date, there have not been any significant side effects associated with cat’s claw in the general public. While harmful side effects have not been linked to cat’s claw, pregnant women are advised not to use cats claw due to its history of being employed for contraception and abortion.

As is the case with all natural supplementation, the safest way to administer cats claw is to heed the serving size recommendations and take it in moderation.

How to Take Cat’s Claw Supplements

There are multiple different supplemental forms that catwalk can be found in, depending on the manufacturer. The majority of cat’s claw supplements are made swallowed in pill or tablet form, while others can be found in the form of liquid extracts and tea packets.

What to Look for in a Good Cat’s Claw Supplement

There are many differently manufactured cat’s claw supplements on the market, and so in order to stand the best chance at experiencing whatever benefits could be derived from it, a certain level of discretion should be exercised when making the final decision for a purchase.

It is highly important to make sure that the dosage form of a cat’s claw supplement is comfortable enough to suit your needs. Some may find the pill form of cat’s claw to be harder to swallow, and so under certain circumstances, it may be easier to opt for the smaller tablet form instead.

The intestinal absorption of the supplement is just as important as the ease of ingesting it. The best-reviewed cat’s claw capsules will often have had their capsules made out of a material that facilitates an easier breakdown process in the digestive tract, making it easier to absorb its effects quickly.

Make a point ensure that the quality of the supplement in question has been validated through testing. While there may not yet be a clinical consensus on the universal impact of cat’s claw as an healing agent, the most reputable supplements are still subject to rigorous quality control examinations before being put on the market.

In addition to confirming that the cat’s claw supplement you settle on has been verified as passing safety regulations, check for the absence of additives as well. With too many added preservatives or fillers, customers could be at risk at paying additional money for qualities that have nothing to do with their intention for purchasing the supplement in the first place.

The highest quality of all herbal supplements will be those that are free of any unnecessary additives or coloring that could compromise their ideal effects. Aim to verify that all of the ingredients composing the cat’s claw supplement are natural, and if possible, they should be free of coloring as well.

Make sure to confirm that the only thing that you are investing in when buying a cat’s claw supplement are the necessary ingredients to produce your desired effect. As an extra step, it can be helpful to confirm with the manufacturer that the cat’s claw plant itself was grown under compliance to official health guidelines.

The post 10 Best Cat’s Claw Supplements – Reviewed & Ranked for 2017 appeared first on Supplement Hound - Supplement Reviews for 2017.

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10 Best Bromelain Supplements – Reviewed & Ranked for 2017

Last Updated: Tuesday, May 16, 2017

If you’re looking for the best bromelain supplements to buy this year, then you’ve come to the right place. 

You can also get more info by jumping to our Bromelain Supplements Guide.

Top 10 Bromelain Supplements

#1 Doctor’s Best 3000 GDU Bromelain More Info #2 NOW Foods Bromelain More Info #3 Source Naturals Bromelain More Info #4 Life Extension Specially-Coated Bromelain More Info #5 Jarrow Formulas Bromelain More Info #6 Nature’s Life Bromelain More Info #7 Swanson Premium Bromelain More Info #8 Nature’s Plus – Chewable Bromelain More Info #9 Solaray Bromelain Supplement More Info #10 Pure Encapsulations – Bromelain More Info

Bromelain Supplements Guide

While it may not be one of the most common or most talked-about supplements, bromelain is useful for a variety of conditions. It is marketed as a natural proteolytic enzyme, and it is a natural anti-inflammatory that may be used to reduce inflammation.

Other uses include promoting healthy digestion, supporting your joints, and improving the taste of sexual fluids. It is found naturally in pineapples.

What is Bromelain?

Bromelain is a protein-digesting enzyme that is found in pineapple juice and pineapple stem. It is sometimes called “pineapple extract.” If you’ve ever eaten a large amount of pineapple at one time and felt a stinging sensation on your mouth or tongue, you’ve experienced some of the protein-digesting effects of this enzyme. While it is useful for digesting and breaking down proteins, bromelain has a few other uses as well. It has been shown to help reduce nasal inflammation as well as inflammation in general. It may also reduce heartburn and support the digestive system.

While the most evidence exists to support the claim that this supplement can treat nasal congestion, it is used to treat a variety of inflammatory conditions, including various injuries and IBS. It may sometimes be used to help speed up recovery and reduce inflammation following a surgery.

While bromelain has been proven to have many positive effects, it shows promise in several other areas as well. For instance, bromelain even shows promise as an anti-cancer drug. One study indicated that adding bromelain to an existing cancer treatment regimen increased the dying off of cancer cells to a significant degree. This indicates that bromelain may be developed as an anti-cancer drug, since it shows promise in this area. Another area in which bromelain may prove useful is in fat loss. Some preliminary evidence indicates that this supplement may help you shed extra pounds of fat, although its role in fat loss still needs to be studied to a greater degree.

There have been many anecdotal claims that bromelain helps make the sexual fluids of both men and women taste sweeter or like pineapple. This claim goes along with the common advice of eating pineapple or drinking pineapple juice before sexual activity. While no studies have tested this claim, there seems to be significant anecdotal evidence of it.

In short, while this supplement has its roots in folk medicine, there is significant researched evidence that suggests that it actually does work in several different ways. Some of these uses have been proven with extensive research, and others are just being investigated, but the fact is that bromelain is one of the few “folk medicines” that has been reliably and medically shown to work.

Benefits of Bromelain

As noted above, bromelain has several uses, some proven, some being investigated, and some purely anecdotal. Here, we’ll break down these benefits and explain a little more about each.

Inflammation

Bromelain has been said to be able to help with a variety of health conditions, but its ability to help most of them comes down to one thing: its ability to reduce inflammation.

This supplement is sometimes recommended after surgery because surgery causes painful inflammation as it heals. Anecdotally speaking, some people with chronic pain, especially back pain, have claimed that bromelain supplementation has helped reduce pain. This is likely due to its anti-inflammatory effects–you can see testimonies like this on virtually any review site for bromelain.

There is a significant amount of evidence showing that bromelain can help reduce nasal congestion as well. One study indicated that it was able to help patients with chronic rhinitis. Some of these patients had even undergone surgery to help this condition. In a similar vein, bromelain also can help those with asthma and other disorders involving inflammation, especially if that inflammation has to do with the respiratory tract.

While more research is needed to see exactly how this supplement can reduce inflammation, it is clear that it has the capability to substantially improve the quality of life for those suffering from various acute and chronic inflammatory conditions.

Digestion

While bromelain may be best known for its anti-inflammatory capabilities, it also has been shown to improve several digestive conditions. One of these is GERD, commonly called heartburn. It’s thought that bromelain helps heartburn because of a combination of its ability to support digestive health and its ability to reduce inflammation. Taking bromelain can help to promote regular digestion, and it is especially useful for those who have trouble digesting dietary proteins.

Cancer therapy

As noted above, bromelain’s ability to help treat cancer is still being investigated, However, because it has shown serious promise in its ability to possibly treat multiple types of cancer, this is one of the benefits to keep an eye on. It’s possible that the ability to help kill off cancer cells is related to bromelain’s ability to reduce inflammation.

Fat loss

Research suggesting that bromelain can help reduce fat is very preliminary, and more research is still needed to verify whether there is a scientific way bromelain aids in weight loss. However, like many of the anecdotal benefits of this supplement, many people swear by bromelain’s ability to help them drop fat.

Sexual benefits

Like the fat loss claim, the claim that bromelain helps improve the taste of sexual fluids is one that needs more research. Because there is significant anecdotal evidence supporting this claim and the fat loss claim, it’s likely that each one does at least have some truth to it.

Are There any Side Effects?

Generally speaking, this supplement doesn’t have major side effects. Some people have reported nausea, vomiting, and more menstrual bleeding than normal. Those with certain plant allergies may also be allergic to bromelain supplements, so it’s wise to make sure you aren’t allergic to carrots, celery, pineapples, papain, wheat, and some types of pollen.

Those with latex allergies may also be allergic to bromelain.

How to Take Bromelain

The way in which you take bromelain may vary depending on the reason you are taking it. According to Examine.com, if you are supplementing mainly for digestion, you should take between 200mg and 2,000mg, and take the supplement with a meal.

If your supplementation goals are for something other than digestion, it is generally recommended that you take between 200mg and 800mg of the supplement. Many people advise those supplementing to take bromelain between meals because it may degrade in the stomach when taken with food. If you are wondering why dose ranges are so large, it is because different formulations of bromelain have different levels of effectiveness.

The effectiveness or enzymatic potential is measured in terms of milk clotting units (MCU) or gelatin dissolving units (GDU). If you are unsure about dosing, it may help to compare the GDU or MCU of different supplements you’re considering.

What to Look for in a Good Bromelain Supplement

When you are looking for a good bromelain supplement, it helps to look at how effective it will be. A reputable manufacturer will give you some sense of the enzymatic potential by including the strength of the supplement in GDU or MCU. While there is not necessarily a standard for these measurements, you can use them to compare supplements.

For instance, you would need to take more of a supplement with a lower MCU or GDU in order to have the equivalent enzyme activity of one with a higher measure of each.

Another thing to look for is milligram amount–because the recommended dose varies depending on the reason you’re taking it, it’s important to take dosage into account. A good supplement will include information on both of these quantities in order to help you make an informed decision about your supplementation.

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from Supplement Hound – Supplement Reviews for 2017 http://supplementhound.com/best-bromelain-supplements/

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10 Best Nigella Sativa Supplements – Reviewed & Ranked for 2017

Last Updated: Tuesday, May 16, 2017

If you’re looking for the best nigella sativa supplements to buy this year, then you’ve come to the right place. 

You can also get more info by jumping to our Nigella Sativa Supplements Guide.

Top 10 Nigella Sativa Supplements

#1 Amazing Herbs Cold-Pressed Black Seed Oil More Info #2 Indus Organics Black Seeds More Info #3 Health Logics Black Cumin Seed Oil More Info #4 Kevala Organic Raw Black Cumin Seeds More Info #5 Blue Lily Organics Black Seeds More Info #6 Swanson Full Spectrum Black Cumin Seed More Info #7 Life Extension Black Cumin Seed Oil More Info #8 Jiva USDA Organic Raw Black Cumin Seed More Info #9 SaaQin Organic Black Seed Oil More Info #10 Health Thru Nutrition Black Cumin Seed Oil More Info

Nigella Sativa (Black Cumin) Supplements Guide

What is Nigella Sativa?

Nigella sativa is a supplement better known as a plant or herb called black cumin, black seed or fennel flower. The plant grows natively in the areas of Europe, India and the Middle East and has been used for thousands of years in cooking and food preparation. The supplement has become widespread in use due to its ability to bolster the immune system and because it also has antioxidant properties.

It’s been used as a seasoning as well as in the medical community because it contains thymoquinone, which appears to aid conditions like general allergies and epilepsy, and it also is a potent immune booster.

The plant belongs to the botanical group Ranunculaceae, and it comes from a native fruit in areas where the plants typically grow. There is some evidence to suggest that people even used the plant in folk medicine as far back as ancient Egypt.

Now Nigella sativa is commonly available from online retailers and stores that sell health foods and natural supplements. Black seed products are typically sold to consumers looking to increase their overall health. The supplement usually comes in capsules filled with bits of seed or in gel tablets filled with the oil extract.

Benefits of Nigella Sativa

Nigella sativa shown some evidence to decrease triglycerides and elevated glucose, however, the evidence shows that benefits in these areas is still marginal. It has some effect as well in reducing inflammation such as the that which occurs in arthritis sufferers.

It fights illness and boosts immunity by increasing the body’s ability to attack foreign invaders, and the extract of nigella sativa has shown potency and effectiveness as an antibacterial agent. The extract of the seed has also shown some benefits in alleviating the symptoms of obesity like fatigue, aches and pains, and a decrease in sex drive.

People have also used black seed throughout history for the treatment of various general ailments including headaches, toothaches, general congestion and the treatment of intestinal worms.

In modern medicine, users take Nigella sativa supplements for ailments like general digestive problems including both diarrhea and constipation. Many people also take it for conditions related to breathing and the lungs such as asthma, bronchitis and allergies. It can also lower blood pressure and cholesterol. Research has shown black seed’s effectiveness against asthma when taken orally; it decreases symptoms like wheezing and coughing and can aid the lungs to breathe more regularly.

Health Benefit Studies

Randomized trials have shown Nigella sativa useful for lowering cholesterol, and participants saw a decrease in cholesterol while using the supplement, and they also experienced a return to their regular levels when stopping the supplement. Other studies have confirmed the benefits of Nigella sativa, including on obese, overweight and sedentary individuals.

Individuals who used the supplement in combination with adding aerobic activity while adopting a daily health regimen including Nigella sativa were able to drop both cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Participants took between 1 and 3 grams daily, although researchers didn’t notice an increase in benefits at the higher levels.

Studies have also shown that black seed treatment can reduce blood pressure in individuals with hypertension, and it shows promise as a treatment for slowing cancer.

User Experiences

The most common reason in user reviews for taking the product was for weight loss or weight control, and many people reported positive effects from taking Nigella sativa, especially when combined with exercise. Some users also reported an increase in overall energy levels, which allowed them to increase the amount of their daily activity.

Other users sought out the supplement for decreasing blood pressure or for help with overall inflammation or pain related to arthritis and found it helpful. Some users also bought the product for skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis and found it effective.

People who reported the most benefits generally sought out the product because of a health concern or problem that Nigella sativa is known to combat. Conversely, individuals who already experienced overall good health didn’t notice as many benefits as those with problems black seed may address. For users to notice the most beneficial effects, medical researchers recommend taking the product for 6-8 weeks.

Are There Any Side Effects?

Like any supplement, users should take Nigella sativa with caution and with an awareness of its potential side effects or ability to interfere with other medications. Since it has already been widely used as a spice, it is likely to cause little interference with the body’s natural mechanisms.

Excessively high amounts of the plant can cause liver or kidney damage. Pregnant or nursing women or people with existing medical conditions should be wary of the supplement since its safety has not fully been evaluated for these populations.

There has been some evidence that nigella sativa may cause complications with some chemotherapy, radiation and cancer medications, so avoid taking this supplement or talk with your doctor if you are undergoing cancer treatment.

Nigella sativa may interact with drugs used to treat hypertension, causing excessively low blood pressure. This can lead to fatigue or dizziness, so don’t mix the two, and if you notice symptoms of low blood pressure, also known as hypotension, stop the use of the supplement and contact a medical professional.

Alongside capsules containing the seed, users can take the extract in the form of an oil, which can cause contact dermatitis to the skin.

How to Take Nigella Sativa

Retailers usually sell the product in a form that users can take easily by mouth like capsules. Typically just one capsule equals one serving and users should take one per day. Users can also purchase black seed oil to take orally, and many people like to take it mixed with water or a beverage rather than simply taking it by the spoonful. Some retailers also sell a form of the seed or oil that people can use in cooking as well as taking it as a supplement.

Because of the potential for side effects, users should only take the dosage as recommended and avoid taking too much. Excessive amounts of the supplement may cause side effects.

Many people recommend taking the supplement with food for better absorption. A number of users also like to take it with food or a beverage to minimize it potent flavor, which some people find unpleasant.

What to Look for in a Good Nigella Sativa Supplement

Make sure that you’re buying a reputable product from a reputable company. There are a lot of nigella sativa and black seed oils on the market, so research which ones are using quality ingredients and have been around for a long time. It can help to read reviews of various products to see what other users’ experience has been.

Some of the best black seed supplements on the market contain organic ingredients and specify that they don’t use GMOs in their products. Look for descriptions that contain this information as well as information about where the plant was grown and if the company uses pesticides or fertilizers, which may cause your product to have residual chemicals. Also check to see if the product has any additives that may affect the dosage or interact with your body negatively.

Cold pressed oils are the best type to get if you’re searching for nigella sativa oil instead of the capsules containing black seed. The oil is also available in softgel form for those who still prefer to take pills instead of swallowing the oil extract, and the label or description should still specify if the product has been cold pressed. Cold processing ensures that more nutrients stay in the oil, whereas heat processing can cause the oil to lose beneficial nutrients.

You may also want to look for the amount of black seed or extract per serving to get the most beneficial dose. Products usually list where they’ve been grown or sourced, so make sure also that you look for native plants with the least amount of processing to ensure quality. Some manufacturers also make supplements that are tasteless so that users who dislike the strong taste of black seed, especially of the oil, can get the same health benefits without the unpleasant taste.

The post 10 Best Nigella Sativa Supplements – Reviewed & Ranked for 2017 appeared first on Supplement Hound - Supplement Reviews for 2017.

from Supplement Hound – Supplement Reviews for 2017 http://supplementhound.com/best-nigella-sativa-supplements/

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10 Best Maqui Berry Supplements – Reviewed & Ranked for 2017

Last Updated: Tuesday, May 16, 2017

If you’re looking for the best maqui berry supplements to buy this year, then you’ve come to the right place. 

You can also get more info by jumping to our Maqui Berry Supplements Guide.

Top 10 Maqui Berry Supplements

#1 Terrasoul Superfoods Organic Maqui Berry Powder More Info #2 Navitas Naturals Organic Maqui Powder More Info #3 Sunfood Maqui Berry Powder More Info #4 Paradise Herbs Maqui Super More Info #5 Swanson Full Spectrum Maqui Berry More Info #6 Isla Natura de Chile 100% Organic Maqui Berry More Info #7 Official Maqui Berry 100% Pure Maqui Berry Extract More Info #8 Naturetition Supplements Maqui Berry More Info #9 EarhNaturalSupplements Maqui Berry More Info #10 Source Naturals Maqui Berry More Info

Maqui Berry Supplements Guide

A recent study out of UCLA found that eating berries on a regular basis is critical to maintaining a healthy body, preventing diseases, and enhancing athletic performance. While different strands of berries have different applications, one variety that’s getting a great deal of attention in the medical community is called maqui berries.

Maqui berries have been cultivated for years in South America, but only now have Western scientists discovered the immense healing properties in the maqui berry. Current studies suggest that maqui has almost four times as many antioxidants than acai berries, which makes it the most powerful antioxidant berry in the world.

Indeed, maqui blows away the benefits one could get from more commonly known berries like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what makes the maqui berry so special and what it could do to help you achieve your fitness goals.

What is Maqui Berry?

Most maqui berry bushes are found throughout southern Chile and parts of Argentina. Officially called Aristotelia chilensis, maqui berries are purple in color and are in such abundance in southern Chile that cultivation of the berry isn’t necessary at this moment. Natives of southern Chile often see maqui berry bushes growing in forested areas, on hillsides, and even on the side of the road.

The main harvesters of this berry are Chile’s indigenous Mapuche people. Natives know when the berries are right to harvest once they turn a deep purple color. Since the berry is gaining popularity in the Western world, the Mapuche are harvesting more maqui berry than ever before.

Benefits of Maqui Berry

Many nutritionists now consider maqui berries the number one “superfood” variety of berries in the world. All of the health benefits in maqui berries have to do with their high supply of anthocyanins, which are literally pigments. In addition to giving the maqui berry its distinctive purple color, anthocyanins contain high levels of antioxidants. These antioxidant properties help promote good cardiovascular health and prevent things like heart attacks and strokes. Anyone with cardiovascular issues is advised to add some maqui berries to their daily diet.

Also, the antioxidants can help destroy free radicals floating around the body to preserve your DNA and slow down the aging process. Some people who take maqui berries actually notice a great reduction in wrinkles after a few months of constant use.

One specific group of anthocyanins doctors have found in maqui berries is called delphinidins. Nutritionists believe the high presence of delphinidins in maqui berries is the main reason for its anti-inflammatory properties. Since maqui berries have such great anti-inflammatory properties, they have been used successfully to treat many degenerative diseases. Also, many people with inflammation due to arthritis or diabetes have found great relief by eating maqui berries.

Traditionally, South American doctors have used maqui berries to help people experiencing symptoms like diarrhea or fever. It’s a well-known fact that maqui berries have antibacterial properties that greatly assist patients overcoming foodborne illnesses. The anti-inflammation properties in these berries also help greatly with digestive issues.

Further Uses

Anyone interested in losing weight should definitely eat a bowl of maqui berries after meals. Nutritionists have found that maqui berries naturally lower blood glucose levels and increase the production of insulin. This helps tremendously reduce the rate at which new fat cells form and gives the body optimal energy levels.

Of course, these effects can dramatically improve diabetic patients’ quality of life and can dramatically reduce any symptoms of fatigue. Some researchers believe extracts from maqui berries could potentially be used in a future cure for diabetes.

Interestingly, researchers in Japan have found that regular oral doses of maqui berries could help relieve symptoms of dry eyes. In fact, dry eye patients that used maqui berries fared better than patients that just used conventional eye drops. The researchers found that the maqui berries actually increased tear production in the eyes and protected the eyes’ photoreceptor cells. It only took a small dosage of 30mg maqui berries to see a discernable improvement in human patients.

Just a few other amazing nutrients found in maqui berries include calcium, iron, potassium, and Vitamin C. All of these vitamins and minerals strengthen a person’s immune system and help extend the length of a person’s life.

Are There any Side Effects?

Chileans have been safely eating and drinking maqui berries for centuries. Just like any other berry on the market, maqui berries are extremely healthy and show no dire side effects. However, if you have specific fruit allergies, you might want to consult with your doctor before eating maqui berries for the first time.

Anyone taking prescription medications might want to ask their doctor whether or not there are any specific negative interactions with maqui berries. Also, if you’re pregnant and want to try maqui berries, tell your doctor beforehand just to be on the safe side.

How to Take Maqui Berry

There are many ways available to take maqui berries nowadays. First off, you could buy a bunch at your local supermarket and eat them just like any other berry. Many people say these berries are incredibly juicy and have a sweet taste. You could incorporate these berries into a smoothie, add them into cereal, or even bake them into a pie if you don’t like just eating the berries plain. Just be sure to wash the berries thoroughly before eating them.

Although eating maqui berries is great, many people prefer drinking these berries in a juice form. That’s why there are many maqui berry juices and powders available in supermarkets today. Actually, it’s probably easiest for people living in the Western world to get maqui berry in a powdered form. You can use this powder in your smoothies or other drinks to add a kick of flavor as well as get all the benefits of this remarkable superfood.

People that don’t like the taste of maqui berries can still get the superfood’s benefits by taking an herbal supplement. These supplements are often in capsule form and come in a wide variety of milligram dosages. Generally the capsules start at 400mg and go up from there. Anyone interested in liquid tinctures could check out some of the maqui berry tinctures online or at local health food stores.

As of today, there’s no official recommended dose for maqui berries. The best person to determine how much of this berry you should be eating each day is a registered nutritionist. S/he will take into account your current health condition and your goals to figure out the proper dosage of maqui berries for you. You could also consult a doctor or dietician to discover your perfect dosage.

What to Look for in a Good Maqui Berry Product

The main feature of a healthy maqui berry is a deep purple color. The deeper the color, generally the more health benefits it has. Those shopping for an actual bushel of berries should double check that everything looks clean and that all the berries aren’t bruised. Organic berries are always the best.

People looking for maqui berry powders should be sure their product was freeze-dried. Most powdered brands will have this information on the front of the package. The color of the powder should be just like the fruit: a deep purple. As mentioned above, 100 percent organic products are the best for your health.

As for capsules and tinctures, the same strategies used to determine quality powders apply. All maqui berries should have organic or direct extract labels on the front cover. While Argentina produces a little bit of maqui berries, the best quality maqui berries come from the Patagonia region of southern Chile. Check out where each of these products was harvested on the back of the container. Also, be sure the company didn’t add any unnecessary chemicals by looking at the ingredients tab.

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